Credit: News & Observer/TNS |
Ever-improving and more sophisticated technology, such as electronics and modern materials, are diminishing the fish populations in our rivers, streams and lakes, according to research at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, New York.
Gradual advancements in fishing technology — from improved fishing gear to wider use of electronics and faster spread of fishing knowledge via apps and social media — mean that each hour a well-equipped angler spends fishing likely will see him catch more fish than did his father or grandfather fishing the same waters for the same amount of time with state-of-the-art gear in their prime fishing days. |
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“This technological creep has been well documented in commercial fisheries, and it’s occurring in recreational fisheries as well,” said fisheries biologist Chelsey Nieman, who was a postdoctoral researcher at Cary Institute when the research was conducted.
Nieman and co-author Chris Solomon, an ecologist at Cary Institute, believe that further research into the impact of advancing technology and other gradual social changes could provide critical guidance to guide management actions needed to protect fisheries and fish populations. |
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