Preserve Fishing on Wild and Scenic Rivers Act - Fall

Team Members: Philip Malley (Manager), Ella Wynn (Deputy Manager), Anne Canavati, Ethan Forauer, Rebecca Hopkins, Diana Lee, Zac Meyer, Johan Møller Nielsen, Amanda Rickert,  Alex Rudnicki, Daniel Wohl 

Wild and Scenic Rivers support valuable ecological, recreational, and economic functions, but aquaculture operations pose risks to water quality and native fish populations. Nutrient pollution from aquaculture can lead to oxygen depletion, algal blooms, and ecosystem degradation, threatening river ecosystems and recreational fisheries. The Preserve Fishing on Wild and Scenic Rivers Act strengthens environmental protections by restricting aquaculture pollution and enhancing regulatory oversight to preserve water quality and ecosystem integrity.

Implementation planning emphasizes improved permitting, monitoring, and enforcement to ensure compliance with environmental standards. Establishing monitoring systems and regulatory coordination enhances accountability and reduces ecological risks. Protecting water quality preserves biodiversity, supports recreational economies, and maintains ecosystem services. Strengthened oversight improves long-term sustainability of freshwater ecosystems while balancing economic activity with environmental protection.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Workshop in Applied Earth Systems Management.