TEAM UNSTABLE MESSAGE BOARD

[scott]

Fish survey to be conducted on local rivers
FORT WAYNE-The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will conduct fish surveys throughout the city's three rivers in July to determine what species are available to local anglers.

The surveys are the next phase of the "Fishin' in the Fort" program started by the DNR in 2008. The program was created to evaluate the current status of fisheries in Fort Wayne, improve fishing quality at community fishing locations, and increase awareness among the public that fishing opportunities exist within the city.

"Last year the DNR had the opportunity to coordinate with city park officials to conduct fish surveys at the local park ponds and conduct a creel survey that included park ponds and river access sites throughout the city," said Nate Thomas, DNR assistant fisheries biologist. "This year we are going to survey the rivers to get a complete picture of what additional fishing opportunities exist in the city.

Thomas said that the creel survey conducted in 2008 indicated that Fort Wayne ponds and rivers are underused by local anglers-fishing has dropped by nearly 50 percent in 20 years. Additionally, satisfaction with fishing was low with three-quarters of anglers interviewed saying fishing was either "fair" or "poor."

After fish surveys are completed in 2009, Thomas said DNR will work the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department on strategies to improve fishing and increase angler participation in the city. Improvements may involve deepening ponds, stabilizing shorelines, installing in-stream habitat, stocking additional fish for anglers, and increasing the number of fishing clinics to teach youths and adults how to fish.

The surveys are scheduled to take place this summer from July 6-17. For more information, contact fisheries biologist Nate Thomas at (260) 244-6805.