Recreational Fishing

As a recreational fisherman, you are aware of an estuary’s benefits.  You also know that good fishing depends on the environmental health of the bay, but you may not know that your fishing and daily activities play a role in our estuary’s health.  For example, you've probably seen the litter and other debris plaguing our waterways.  That debris probably traveled many miles before it hooked onto your line.

What can I do to help?
There is much you can do to help Galveston Bay in your daily routines.

Next time you’re out fishing, properly dispose of fishing lines, bilge water, sewage and trash.

If you are out on a boat …
Prevent shoreline and marsh reduction by decreasing boat wakes.

Protect sea grass plants—our underwater rainforest—and avoid cutting or uprooting them with your propeller.

Reduce your contribution of non-point source pollution (NPS).  Non-point source pollutions consists of constituents in water (including pollutants) originating from diffuse, land-based sources, and generally transported in runoff from precipitation. 

Currently, many boaters discharge raw sewage from marine heads directly in Galveston Bay, causing potential problems with bacteria and nutrients.  By eliminating sewage discharge, poor areas of water quality near the marinas and near discharge points will be eliminated.  Visit the EPA’s Web site for more information.

Remember, your recreational fishing and associated activities generate billions of dollars annually to our local economy.  And Galveston Bay Estuary Program wants to partner with you to conserve the bay.  Our program provides resources and periodic funding that you can utilize in this endeavor. 

For more information about recreational fishing community partnerships, contact Scott Jones, Public Participation and Education Coordinator.

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