"Conservation through Appreciation"
“Conservation through Appreciation” is the tagline of Karen Talbot Art, and it is Karen's hope that your Angler’s Pint will provide the time and space for many important discussions about conserving both the species we love and the habitats in which we, as anglers, recreate. This page is dedicated to conservation information and resources about the species featured on Angler’s Pints. At the bottom of the page, you will find links to organizations and agencies which Karen supports and with which she has worked, as well as other useful resources.
Maine is the last stronghold of wild, native brook trout in the United States. More than 1000 lakes and ponds in the state are designated as principle brook trout fisheries by the Depratment of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife. More than a quarter of these have not seen a stocked trout in over a decade and over 300 have never been stocked. Keeping these brook trout populations healthy and genetically pure is in everyone's best interest, but stressors like the use of illegal live bait, habitat degredation, climate change and invasive species introductions are all serious concerns. Over your next craft brew enjoyed from a Brook Trout Angler's Pint, have a discussion about how the state could better manage brook trout and what you can do as an individual to help insure the future of these national treasures.
The Brown Trout is not native to North America. Introductions began in the latter 19th century under the authority of the US government, because of the species status as a gamefish, especially on the fly. Because brown trout are so adaptable, many, if not most, of the introductions resulted in self-sustaining wild populations--often to the detrement of native fishes like brook trout. Like all trout, brown trout are threatened by a host of stressors including habitat degredation and climate change. Over your next craft brew enjoyed from a Brown Trout Angler's Pint, have a discussion about the role of non-native gamefish in terms of both their ability to promote habitat restoration and conservation and the potential damage they cause to native fishes.
The cutthroat trout is a western species of trout representing many subspecies throughout their native range. Of all the trout in North America, the cutthroat, as a species, is the most at risk owing to a host of stressors including habitat degredation, climate change and competition with non native species like brown, rainbow and brook trout. Many of the gentetically pure sub-species are at risk from interspecific and intraspecific breeding. Most cutthroat trout are also highly susceptible to whirling disease. Prized as a gamefish, anglers and angling-related conservation organizations have played a critical role in conserving the species by protecting headwaters and untertaking restoration work. Over your next craft brew enjoyed from a Cutthroat Trout Angler's Pint, have a discussion about the risks of hybridization to genetically pure sub-species of trout and how you can help make sure that cutthroat trout have access to the cold, clean water in which they thrive.
For many people, rainbow trout are synonomous with trout. Originating from tributaries of the Pacific Ocean, rainbow trout, often hatchery-reared, have been heavily introduced across the US and the world as a gamefish. These introductions, like many introductions of adaptable non-native species, have often been to the detriment of upstream native fishes. Rainbow trout are at risk from habitat degredation, climate change, hybridization and disease. Distinct population segments of one sub-species of rainbow trout (commonly known as steelhead) are listed under the Endangered Species Act. Elsewhere, programs are ongoing to remove non-native populations of rainbow trout from rivers where they threaten native fishes like brook trout. Over your next craft brew enjoyed from a Rainbow Trout Angler's Pint, have a discussion about the role of hatchery-reared fish stocked for recreational purposes.
The Chinook salmon, also commonly called the king salmon, is a keystone species of the Pacific Northwest. Revered by native Americans and, more recently, recreational anglers, the Chinook salmon faces numerous threats including overfishing, changing ocean conditions and dams. The first limited run of Chinook Salmon Angler's Pints was commissioned for the Asheville, NC screening of the The Memory of Fish, a film about a pulp mill worker and angler turned salmon advocate, who uses his memories and persistence to battle for the biggest dam removal project in U.S. history. Over your next beer enjoyed from a Chinook Salmon Angler's Pint, have a discussion about the effects of dams on fishes like the Chinook.
For recreational saltwater angler's in the Northeast US, there is no experience quite like going after bluefin tuna smashing baitfish on the surface. Unfortunately, due largely to overfishing in commercial fisheries, the species is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. As with many issues surrounding fisheries, there are few clear, black-and-white answers. Should there be a moratorium on bluefin tuna fishing given the conservation status of the species, or can a well-managed fishery support recreational and commercial quotas? Is a bluefin tuna taken on rod-and-reel in the Gulf of Maine and then consumed locally a more sustainable choice than many of the fish for sale in the freezer at the local Big Box store? These are great questions to discuss over your next brew enjoyed in a Bluefin Tuna Angler's Pint.
Recreational anglers have been known to say that hooking up with a yellowfin can change one's definition of fishing, but it is a species listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Like the bluefin tuna, the yellowfin tuna is most at risk from commercial fishing, especially in purse-seine fisheries. It is the second most important species of tuna for canning, and while most stocks are, according to a 2011 study, fished sustainably, there remain concerns about overfishing. In part, this may be because of increases in skipjack harvest limits, as skipjack tuna co-shoal with juvenile yelowfin. Seafood Watch lists Western and Central Pacific handline, hand-operated pole-and-lines and trolling lines fisheries as Best Choice.
Few fishes have drawn as many anglers into a conversation about conservation than the striped bass. The commercial fishery, combined with anthropogenic stressors, led to severe declines in striped bass populations in the late 1970s and early 80s. Federal, state and local action turned the tide, and stripers rebounded, but concerns remain ranging from habit health to disease. Helping striped bass is more than just following fishing regulations. Over your next Angler’s Pint, consider brainstorming what you can do at home—from limiting/eliminating fertilizers to helping manage runoff—to help striper populations remain healthy.
The Atlantic salmon is revered by anglers and diners alike. Unfortunately, years of overexploitation combined with the degradation of aquatic ecosystems has driven the species' conservation status to a point where the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment is now listed as an endangered species. In Maine, progress is being made--most notably with the Penobscot River Restoration Project. Removal of dams and creation of fish passage provides access to over one thousand miles of historic Atlantic salmon (and other sea run fishes') breeding habitat. Despite the success of projects like this, there is still plenty of work to be done. Perhaps pick up a copy of The President's Salmon next time you sit down with a tall pour in your Angler's Pint. The book will give you a lot to think about when it comes to the magnificent fish.
The American shad is a species, much like the Atlantic salmon, steeped in coastal culture and heritage. As is the case with many other sea-run fishes, dams and other damage to river systems has played a role in the species' declining conservation status. Overfishing, which was once a significant issue in the commercial fishery, is not as much a problem in recreational fisheries, and some anglers target shad during the spring runs. Does keeping a connection to shad, either through recreational angling or well-managed commercial fishing, help the species’ conservation status? Are people are more likely to conserve something about which they are aware than a fish they’ve never heard of? Discussing the role of recreation fishing in conservation is always a great conversation to have while enjoying your favorite beverage from an Angler's Pint!
The mahi mahi, also called dorado and dolphinfish, is a fish from a well-managed fishery in the US. US Atlantic mahi mahi and mahi mahi caught by line/pole is considered very sustainable, while longline-caught fish are less so. The recreational fishery has little effect on the overall conservation status of the species, and fly anglers love targeting these beautiful (and delicious) fish. While their conservation status is not a serious concern at present, threats to ocean ecosystems are. Talking about how saltwater anglers can be part of the solution of a healthy ocean is a great topic of conversation while enjoying a pint from the ever-expanding line of saltwater Angler's Pints.
The tarpon is an Atlantic species (although it is also found on the Pacific coast of Panama) that is considered "Vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). While much is unknown about tarpon's biology and population numbers, it is known that major threats include the food fishery, bycatch mortality in recreational and other fisheries, and habitat degradation. Although not generally consumed in the US, large directed recreational fisheries in Florida and Texas have both put pressure on the species and, more recently, contributed to a better understanding of the species and what can be done to improve its conservation status. Today, the Florida tarpon fishery is catch-and-release only (unless pursuing a IGFA record with a purchased tarpon tag). Talking about the role saltwater anglers can play in conserving the species they love is a favorite topic of conversation while enjoying a pint from the ever-expanding line of saltwater Angler's Pints.
Bonefish are one of the species most sought after by saltwater fly anglers, but there is significant concern about the species' conservation status. A couple decades ago, it was obvious to anglers in places like the Florida Keys that bonefish were in trouble. Today, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the species as "Near Threatened." While unintended mortality in recreational catch-and-release fisheries is a concern, the greatest threats to bonefish are habitat loss and degradation, especially to mangrove and seagrass ecosystems on which bonefish rely. In recent years, anglers have played an important role in better understanding the species and in helping populations recover. Enjoying a beverage from an Angler's Pint after a long day on the water is the perfect time to talk about the future of these magnificent animals and how anglers may continue to play a role in insuring their recovery.
The red drum is listed as a species of "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Not so long ago, however, populations throughout the southeastern US were in serious trouble as a result of overfishing and the compounded pressure of both a commercial and recreational fishery. In the 1980s, fisheries managers implemented management measures that have been fairly effective in helping the species rebound, though populations continue to struggle in some key areas, especially those subject to habitat degradation. In 2007, an Executive Order designated red drum as a protected gamefish. Today, many anglers view healthy redfish populations as indicators of healthy ecosystems. Some anglers would like to see the fishery become catch-and-release only in places like the Indian River Lagoon, where a healthy fishery can lead to a greater awareness of the need for more conservation measures. Discussing how a healthy catch-and-release fishery can benefit both the targeted species and the ecosystems on which they depend is a perfect conversation topic while enjoying your favorite beverage from a Redfish Angler's Pint.
TU is a national organization committed to conserving, protecting and restoring North America's coldwater fisheries and their watersheds.
NRCM is committed to protecting, restoring, and conserving Maine’s environment, now and for future generations.
The Nature Conservancy in Maine works with people, and for people, to ensure healthy forests, clean free-flowing rivers, abundant oceans, and solutions to climate change.
American Rivers combines national advocacy with field work in key river basins to deliver the greatest impact and protect and restore our nation’s rivers.
The ASF works wherever there are Atlantic salmon in North America to conserve, protect and restore wild Atlantic salmon and the ecosystems on which their well being and survival depend.
This Project is a collaboration between the Penobscot Indian Nation, conservation groups, hydropower companies, and state and federal agencies to restore sea-run fishes to the Penobscot River, while maintaining energy production.
Maine Audubon works to conserve Maine’s wildlife and wildlife habitat by engaging people of all ages in education, conservation and action.
The Trust's mission is to conserve the ecosystems and traditional heritage of the Georges River watershed region through permanent land protection, stewardship, education, and outdoor experiences.
The Trust is a land conservation organization that seeks to permanently conserve land to benefit the human and natural communities of Western Penobscot Bay.
SRBTC is committed to stopping the decline of sea-run brook trout in New England and on Long Island, NY.
WFC is dedicated to the recovery and conservation of wild-fish ecosystems in the Northwest through science, education, and advocacy.
WNTI serves as a catalyst for the implementation of conservation or management actions, through partnerships and cooperative efforts, resulting in improved species status, improved aquatic habitats, and improved recreational opportunities for native trout anglers across western states.
NFC is an apolitical, grassroots donor-funded, non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation, preservation and restoration of wild native fish.
The mission of the T & BT is to conserve and restore bonefish, tarpon and permit fisheries and habitats through science-based research, stewardship, education and advocacy.
The University of Maine is a designated Sea Grant College and one of 33 NOAA Sea Grant programs throughout the coastal and Great Lakes states. The network is a powerful resource for sharing information and solving problems.
The Habitat Blueprint provides a forward looking framework for NOAA to think and act strategically across programs and with partner organizations to address the growing challenge of coastal and marine habitat loss and degradation.
The Bureau of Marine Science's mission is to conduct fisheries research and monitoring, critical habitat protection, conservation, management, protection and restoration of diadromous fish populations to their historic range.
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) initiated comprehensive planning in 1968 and have refined and expanded the process with each planning update.
The Memory of Fish is a documentary portrait of one man, the wild salmon he loves, and his fight to free a river.
This film explores the change in attitude from pride in dams as engineering wonders to a growing awareness that our own future is bound to health of our rivers.
The Quest for the Golden Trout is about looking at our nation’s rivers with a more critical eye—and asking more questions about both historic and current practices in fisheries management.
Written for anglers, nature lovers, environmentalists, and students, and featuring illustrations by Joseph Tomelleri, this is an essential reference for anyone who wants to learn more about this remarkable, beautiful, and fragile western native.
This book presents a rich cultural and biological history of the Atlantic salmon and the salmon fishery, primarily revolving around the Penobscot River, the last bastion for the salmon in America and a key battleground site for the preservation of the species.
A powerful account of how greed, indifference and environmental mismanagement have threatened the survival of the wild Pacific salmon and, as a result, the region’s ecology and its people.
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