Human connections to fish and the waterbodies they inhabit are evolving, and, in many cases, atrophying. To the majority of U.S. residents, fish go largely unseen in their natural habitats. When they are seen, it is often as highly processed food items of unfamiliar or unstated origin. Anglers that directly interact with fish when they are in their natural habitat are a minority, and angler recruitment and retention is declining nationally.  According to recent studies, approximately 40% of fish taxa in North America are imperiled.  For the majority, habitat degradation from human activities is the primary cause of imperilment. General public apathy towards fish and their habitat needs suggests our communication strategies need to better reflect an understanding of contemporary behavioral motivators and what factors are constraining meaningful public interactions with fisheries and participation in fish habitat conservation. Effective public outreach is increasingly a critical component of any successful fisheries or fish habitat conservation program. The objective of this symposium is to introduce contemporary challenges/constraints, and highlight creative ways to increase the relevancy and visibility of fish and their habitat needs to a broader segment of society.