Urban and Community Fisheries Programs: Development, Management, and Evaluation

Abstract

<em>Abstract.-</em>Urban fisheries provide an opportunity to recruit new participants to recreational fishing, provide experiences with nature that may be limited in urban settings, and build a support base of stakeholders who care about the future management and quality of fisheries and other natural resources in urban environments. Urban fisheries, however, are subject to other pressures perhaps more so than nonurban fisheries, including viral and bacterial pathogens and chemical contaminants that enter the aquatic system, leading to the potential for human exposure to these agents through fishing and fish consumption. While contaminant-related concerns are often managed through the use of fish consumption advisories distributed by various organizations, including state and local government and civic society organizations, there are no standard advisories for pathogens beyond those for acute outbreak situations. Many studies demonstrate the differential effectiveness of fish consumption advisories in reaching white, male audiences versus anglers of other ethnic heritage, and women. The risks of pathogen and chemical contaminant exposure, however, may be greater in some cases for the fetus, or for immunocompromised individuals, suggesting women of childbearing age and individuals with particular health conditions merit specific attention. Urban anglers may fish more frequently and consume their catch more frequently than do nonurban anglers, and anglers in certain ethnic and minority groups may be at the higher end of the fish consumption spectrum, suggesting urban fisheries management should include concerns regarding environmental justice. Managing urban fisheries requires full evaluation of the potential health risks, including chemical contaminant and pathogen exposures, as well as accurate risk communication through effective community outreach, and responsive policy guidelines regarding stocking, signage, access, fish consumption advisories, and other considerations that may help to minimize human exposure to contaminants and/or pathogens. Urban fisheries also provide an opportunity to engage local constituencies, such as watershed associations and community groups, in working toward a cleaner environment.