Advisory Council members Captain Jimmy Hull and Haley Stephens helped organize a packed local SAFMC Best Fishing Practices Master Volunteer Program class this summer in New Smyrna Beach. South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) offers the Best Fishing Practices Master Volunteer program, which aims to promote sustainable fishing and reduce bycatch, particularly of overfished and vulnerable species. Volunteers in this program are trained to educate other anglers and the broader community on responsible fishing practices to help maintain healthy marine ecosystems along the South Atlantic coast.
Key components of the program include:
1. Training and Certification: Volunteers undergo specialized training on best fishing practices, including safe fish handling, proper release techniques, and species-specific conservation measures. Certification through the program ensures that they are well-equipped to share this knowledge with others.
2. Community Engagement: Certified Master Volunteers are encouraged to attend fishing events, seminars, and community gatherings to raise awareness about responsible fishing. They serve as ambassadors for the SAFMC’s conservation goals, helping to foster sustainable fishing habits in the local fishing community.
3. Focus on Best Practices: The program emphasizes techniques like circle hook usage, venting, and descending devices to reduce mortality in released fish, particularly those caught in deeper waters. These practices aim to give fish the best chance of survival when released.
4. Conservation Goals: By involving anglers directly in conservation, the SAFMC hopes to reduce bycatch and improve fish populations, ensuring long-term benefits for both commercial and recreational fisheries.
Becoming a Master Volunteer is a way for passionate anglers to actively contribute to sustainable fisheries management and the preservation of marine resources in the South Atlantic.
For more information please visit: https://safmc.net/best-fishing-practices/best-fishing-practices-master-volunteer-program/
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