FishSmart: Bringing Anglers, Industry, and Agencies Together to Communicate Effective Conservation Practices of Catch and Release

FishSmart is a collaborative effort between fisheries managers, researchers, anglers, and the sport fishing industry to improve the survival of released fish. At the outset, an assessment was made of the messages being conveyed to anglers through agency outreach programs for releasing fish. Using this basis, workshops were held in coastal regions of the U.S. to refine these messages.  Goals of each workshop were: 1) identify best practices and equipment; 2) outline messages to anglers ; 3) provide guidance to management bodies, and; 4) identify gaps in the state of knowledge. The resulting “Best Practices” represent conservation practices based on best available science developed through the input of more than 150 individuals.  FishSmart is now transitioning into a communication phase through implementation of the FishSmart Tackle program with industry, communications to the angling public through the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, and specialized programs reaching segments of the sport fishing community. Challenges and opportunities for constructing consistent messages and programs that have meaningful conservation benefits will be addressed.