Conservation

Fly Fishers International was formed more than 65 years ago by some of the most noted fly Fishers of that time.  They understood that conservation of fisheries and their aquatic habitats was critical and more importantly recognized that fly fishers must organize to speak with one informed voice to realistically influence public policy regarding conservation of natural landscapes and fisheries.  History

Fly Fishers International now exists as a global organization that works to support, enhance and protect the recreational opportunities and enjoyment of fly fishing and represents members who support this work in 44 countries around the world.  We do this through teaching all aspects of fly fishing and most importantly through our advocacy, demonstration and a collaborative voice for conservation of our natural resources.  Conservation of fishes and their habitats is without question fundamental to our enduring opportunities to fly fish.  Watch  These habitats largely include approximately 3.5 million miles of streams and rivers, 41.7 million acres of lakes and ponds and 87.8 thousand acres of bays and estuaries in the lower 48 states alone that must remain clean, healthy and functional.  Most concerning though is that water quality survey data summarized by the US Geological Survey in 2022 indicated that only 28% of river and stream waters and 43% of lake, pond and reservoir waters were in good condition.

We typically think of our lakes, rivers and estuaries as fish habitat but they and their upland watersheds also are the habitats of a vast array of wildlife, plant and insect species.  What must not be forgotten though, is that these very landscapes of minerals, water and plants are essential to our own qualities of life as human habitat.  Public Lands and Waters Policy  The plant communities that grow on these natural landscapes also remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through the natural process of photosynthesis and use a portion of that carbon to produce the oxygen we breathe and to recharge the freshwater systems that are necessary to all life.  Plants also store large portions of the sequestered carbon in their plant woody parts, roots and soil.  The plant communities of wetlands and estuaries, such as those in Florida, are particularly important in this regard because they remove, process and store more atmospheric carbon than do any of the terrestrial plant communities.  Climate Change

Another value of our natural systems of importance is their economic value.  The values of outdoor recreation have been estimated to exceed three quarters of a trillion dollars returned to our economy each year.  Federal lands along return more than $650 billion dollars and support an estimated 6 million jobs.

Clearly, the many reasons for conservation of our natural resources are compelling, whether we fly fish, simply enjoy natural areas or appreciate the essential reality of clean air and fresh water.  Each of us should and can play a conservation role and the commitment need not be daunting.  The most important things we can do are to inform ourselves on conservation issues and support a conservation-based organization that represents our values and that will invest our support as a powerful, collaborative voice to influence public policy regarding the importance of conserving our natural landscapes.  This is what FFI and its Councils do on behalf of all fly fishers.  Guiding Principles

Fly Fishers International collaborates with dozens of other organizations to protect natural resources throughout wetlands and wild landscapes of North America from the Brooks Range and Crystal Bay in Alaska to the Everglades and Florida Bay and assists international projects, as well.  Conservation Actions  Relevant educational materials are available on the FFI and Florida Council websites regarding many conservation topics that include policies on public lands and waters, effects of climate change on fisheries and safe handling of sport fish. (Guiding Principles)  Most importantly though, your support of the Florida Council of FFI is especially important because you make it possible to protect the 7 million acres of wetlands and fishers that exist in Florida.  The Florida Council has developed the following priorities that are consistent with Conservation Policies and actions that Fly Fishers International pursues on behalf of our members and the fly fishing community throughout the United States and internationally.

1. Water Quality Issues, Threats and Solutions.
2. Conservation of Public Lands and Waters.
3. Conservation of Native Fisheries and Harvest Regulations.
4. National Resource Management Issues Affecting Conservation of Florida Lands, Waters and Fisheries.
5. Advocacy of sound conservation policy, management and to minimize and mitigate accelerated rates of climate change caused by human activity.

Tom H. Logan

FL Council VP

FFI Senior Advisor – Conservation