Public Fish Viewing Events

Ohio NFC hosting a public fish viewing event…

Background

NFC chapters are encouraged to host public fish viewing events. This is a great way to involve chapter board members in hands-on activities, as well as engage the public in regard to wild native fish. It is also a good way to establish partnerships with agencies and organizations.

Permitting, Access, etc.

Many states require a Scientific Collections permit for this type of event. It is also important that you have landowner permission.

  • Be sure to check with the applicable state fish and game agency in regard to collecting fish for display

  • Be sure to check with the applicable landowner in regard to access and use of their property for this type of event.

Types of Events

Fish for public fish viewing events can be captured in the following manner:

  • Seining

  • Trapping (Minnow Traps)

  • Electro-Fishing

A participant at a Massachusetts public fish viewing event seeing her first fish in the wild…

Safety and Liability

Chapters must do everything possible to reduce the possibility of injury to board members, partners, and non-NFC attendees.

Proper Clothing and Footwear

  • Long Pants or Waders

    • Protects from cuts, scratches, and related infections

  • Long Sleeve Shirts

    • Protects from cuts, scratches, and related infections

  • Hard-Bottom Shoes/Boots or Wading Boots

    • Protects from cuts, punctures, and related infections

    • No Crocs or Sandals

Access to Water

  • Non-NFC attendees should be kept out of the water wherever possible

    • Bring the fish to people, don’t bring the people to the fish…

  • No minors are allowed in the water unless accompanied by and under the immediate control of a parent or legal guardian

Water and Weather Conditions

  • No public fish viewing event should be held during high-water periods

  • No public fish viewing events should be held during inclement weather: Rain, hail, thunder and lighting, high wind, etc.

Miscellaneous

  • No one should be allowed to participate in any way if they appear to be impaired due to alcohol or drugs

  • People with notable handicaps must be accompanied by and under the immediate control of a parent, legal guardian, or professional assistant

Attendees at a Massachusetts NFC sponsored public fish viewing event…

Equipment

Equipment used in public fish viewing events should be selected based on need, cost effectiveness, and safety.

Five-gal Buckets for Holding and Transferring Fish

  • Dark colors help preserve fish coloration for viewing and photographing

  • Buckets with rope handles are easier to carry than those with metal handles

  • An integrated bottom handle helps return fish to the water

  • Portable battery operated aerators should be used whenever fish will be help in a bucket

  • Water should be replaced every ten minutes to keep it clean

This bucket addresses all of our needs and concerns…

Handheld Viewing Tanks

  • Handheld viewing tanks should be made of acrylic not glass for safety reasons

  • They should be purchased in varying sizes to facilitate different age and species fish

  • Edges should be rounded or sanded to remove sharp edges after purchase

  • Viewing tanks should be wrapped in paper to lessen scratching

Tabletop Viewing Tanks

  • Tabletop viewing tanks should be made of acrylic not glass for safety reasons

  • They should be purchased in varying sizes to facilitate different age and species fish

  • Edges should be rounded to prevent cuts

  • Viewing tanks should be stored in boxes

  • Portable battery operated aerators should be used whenever fish will be help in a bucket

  • Water should be replaced every ten minutes to keep it clean

  • Tables should be strong enough to support the weight of the tanks

    • Use multiple table if needed

Tabletop viewing tanks are a good way to show multiple fish or hold fish for a longer period of time…

Internal NFC 3Bob MallardComment