Sponsored by the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association (CSIA), National Fishing week began as an unofficial annual event in 2000
The week , July 2-10, coincides with free fishing weekends in several provinces,
Many other outdoor sports organizations, local, regional, provincial and national, actively promote the event. One of the national groups is Ducks Unlimited-Canada.
Mark Gloutney (PhD) is the Ducks Unlimited Canada director of regional operations for Eastern Canada
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Ducks Unlimited originally began as an organization dedicated to promoting waterfowl hunting. However to promote waterfowl you have to preserve the wetland environment, which in turn promotes fish habitat.
Over the decades Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) while still promoting hunting and fishing, has in fact become a leader in environment protection in this country, as has it’s sister organization in the US.
DUC says that wetlands are under constant and increasing threats of habitat loss, invasive species, pollution and other forms of degradation.
The scientists and members of Ducks Unlimited both restore and safeguard important habitat for native fish species. This work includes building innovative fishways that provide access to spawning grounds, helping restore wetlands, and managing invasive species that threaten habitat. Actions are based on science and a keen awareness of the important role native fish species play in maintaining healthy and functioning ecosystems.
The CSIA and the many other outdoor sports groups, like DUC say the whole idea of National Fishing Week is to get people out into nature.
They say it’s especially important to get young people out fishing this week so they can get an appreciation for the natural environment. Gloutney and others say that helps to foster a respect for nature and understanding of the need for preservation of natural ecosystems as the young people grow into adulthood.
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