Chapter 14 - Aquatic Environmental Management

Abstract

Fishery scientists have become increasingly involved with the management of the fish's habitat as humans intrude and alter the natural environment. The chapter summarizes the aquatic environmental issues and the current activities of fishery scientists as they try to ensure a productive environment for fish and a quality aquatic environment for people. The two major aspects of water use policy—which are important to fisheries—are the allocation systems, which determine whether water will be available, and the control of quality, which determines whether the fish can live. State ownership is key to planning the initial allocation of water or its reallocation through purchase, if different uses are in the public interest. The administration of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires that presently unquantified environmental amenities and values may be given appropriate consideration in decision making along with economic and technical considerations. Preventing the abuse of natural waters is only half of the challenge to fishery scientists. The other half is to repair the damage done in the past, to advocate the cause of fisheries during our continuing environmental modifications, and to improve the natural habitats for the fish or the fishing.