Emily Bastian
“The protection of naturalized nonnative species should not be confused with conservation. If we truly want healthy, resilient, functioning aquatic ecosystems, we need to prioritize the preservation and restoration of wild native species and put fish ahead of fishing.”
EMILY BASTIAN is a founding member of Native Fish Coalition. She served as NFC’s Secretary/Treasurer from its inception to April 2020, when she assumed the position of National Vice Chair. She was also NFC’s Maine State Chair, and first state chair, from inception to July 2020, where she set the standard for the position. In July 2022, Emily assumed the role of National Chair. Emily is a degreed Ecologist, graduating first in her class (after graduating first from her high school class), and has worked as a National Park Ranger, Maine Game Warden, municipal law enforcement officer, field biologist, backcountry lodge manager, and in fly fishing retail. Emily worked for Maine Audubon from 2011 to 2016 where she was responsible for the Maine Brook Trout Survey Project which identified previously unknown populations of wild brook trout in remote ponds and coastal streams. She was also the General Manager at Appalachian Mountain Club’s (AMC) Gorman Chairback Lodge & Cabins, as well as the General Manager at Trident Fly Fishing in Windham, Maine. Emily has taught fly fishing and archery at L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools and holds a second-degree black belt in karate. She currently works in the Hunting and Fishing Store at L.L.Bean, the first woman to hold the position of Assistant Store Manager. Emily is a Registered Maine Fishing Guide and has fly fished since she was eight years old. She enjoys hiking, backpacking, hunting, and cross-country skiing. Emily can be reached at Info@NativeFishCoalition.org
She’s not as serious as she looks…