To Protect Minnesota Wildlife, Rethink Fishing
Published by MinnPost
I will never forget the excitement of catching my first fish with my grandpa many years ago. It was a perfect summer day at a quiet pond surrounded by lush green plains. I don’t remember what kind of fish I caught, but I remember that it was “a big one.” The rest of the day was a celebration, culminating with a festive fish dinner.
Historical artifacts suggest that fishing has taken place on the land that is now Minnesota for more than 10,000 years. Today, the Department of Natural Resources estimates that approximately 2 million people fish on state waters each year. However, this iconic Minnesota pastime has myriad alarming ecological consequences. As Minnesota’s 2021 fishing season opens on May 15, anglers should prioritize simple actions that reduce harm to wildlife.
