Aquatic Stewardship Education in Theory and Practice

Abstract

<i>Abstract.</i>—Fishing is an exciting, popular, family-oriented activity that can be ideal as an introduction to and long-term platform for achieving aquatic resources stewardship. Many agencies and stakeholder organizations have developed fishing programs for this purpose, and each year, millions of people participate in these programs across the country. This paper will identify best management practices for assessing and evaluating fishing programs for effectiveness in achieving that goal. It will address program goals, objectives, logic models and needs assessment, developing environmental sensitivity, and social context and support. Findings are based on extensive work conducted by educators and aquatic resources practitioners as part of the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation’s Best Practices in Boating, Fishing, and Aquatic Resources Stewardship project.