University of Alaska Aquatic/Angler Education - Cooperation in Communities

Author: Shann Paul Jones

Two foci predominate North American aquatic/angler education programs:  teaching novice-level skills, and presenting environmental stewardship topics.  There are a litany of agencies, at the federal, state and regional levels, involved in offering such programs primarily to children and adolescents. Additionally, many sport fishing clubs, non-profits and tackle manufacturers have developed and/or sponsor their own programs as well help with agency efforts to bring young people to sport fishing.  Adults have not been completely left out of this movement.  Over 125 post-secondary institutions across North America offer sport fishing classes, some of which have a strong science base.  Also, many private companies, small businesses, non-profit organizations and fishing clubs provide adults such outdoor skills.  However, a cursory review of aquatic/angler programs across the nation suggests that the vast majority of hands-on programming resources are focused at youths and adolescents. Research presented at previous American Fisheries Society and other professional meetings clearly show that adults are interested in attending both aquatic education programs and angler skills training.  This poster chronicles the explosion of the UAF Aquatic Education Program from under 50 participants in only five programs during 2001-02 through its growth to over 220 registrants in 15 events last year.