Conservation Connect: Urban Fishing

We will be learning about an urban fishing kids program in Alaska. USFWS's summer-long urban fishing program in Anchorage, Alaska (founded in 2011) helps youth and their caregivers develop safe fishing skills near home. Major program components include mastering different fishing techniques, cooking the catch, and safety. Through repeat interactions and staff consistency within and across years, this program builds competence and confidence on and near the water. In listening to and surveying youth, we found fear of wildlife, getting lost, and water to be barriers to participation. We focus on helping participants overcome fear through demonstrations and repetitive training in indoor and outdoor settings.

In late 2020, in response to the pandemic, the Alaska Region External Affairs program successfully transitioned this program into the virtual Alaska Youth Fish and Wildlife Club to acts as a bridge to stay connected with youth outside the summer months. It serves as a place where young people meet scientists, learn about careers in the conservation field, and build an understanding and appreciation for Alaska’s fish, wildlife, and public lands, empowering them to make a difference. With this new online platform, our in-person Anchorage youth fishing program grew into a larger online community where youth, mentors, and professionals could continue to safely interact during the pandemic. Youth Fish and Wildlife Club continues to thrive, providing a virtual space for networking, learning, and sharing inspiration! We meet every Wednesday and frequently host USFWS staff from Alaska and beyond as guest speakers.

2022 fishing program dates: June 6-August 11 in Anchorage Alaska.



Closed captions are available for program.

If you have any questions regarding this series, please email brett_billings@fws.gov.

Event date and time
-
Event location name
Virtual
Audience(s)
Angler
Parent
Student
Teacher
Age range
All ages