I was happy to accept an invite to a conservation presentation while attending the REDCREST event recently. Here, writers like me were better introduced to a number of projects being spearheaded by MLF. It was a one-on-one thing, which later allowed me to dialogue with MLF’s fisheries guru Steven Bardin. That, of course, turned into a drawn-out affair where I asked the real questions. Bardin remained professional, answering them all, and tossing out some hardcore numbers and info.
In preparations for a write-up here, I thought I’d also call my longtime cohort Gene Gilliland, the biologist turned B.A.S.S. Conservation Director, to get a better feel of his group’s conservation efforts. Gilliland can talk forever on this stuff, and truly remains one of the greatest advocates for the protection of the sport we love.
Now my goal is always to report back to you. However, as time ticks on, I cannot help but to get more involved in these issues, as awareness is the most important factor in moving toward a positive impact. What I present is my overall take on what conservation measures the powerhouse groups are involved in from a scientifically nerdy fisherman’s point of view. Again, my words more than theirs.
The MLF “Pillars of Conservation” include four parts:
> Research
> Fish Care
> Fisheries Enhancements
> Education
A number of partners overlap these efforts, such as Costa’s Clean Water Initiatives to remove plastics, the Union Sportsman’s Alliance increasing access and fishing possibilities, Mossback Fish Habitat builds, Berkley and Mercury Marine supporting individual habitat projects, and Sea Ark boats developing a massive trash-collector.
From what I see, current efforts center around increasing habitat for bass and enhancing the overall appeal of our waterways through clean-up efforts. At a number of tour stops, MLF will be dropping fish attractors, cleaning the shorelines or both.
This falls into the “leave it better than we left it” principle being adopted by a number of conservation groups, B.A.S.S. included. Here, they both help the fisheries, as well as the overall image of organized tournament fishing. It’s a smart move, as we’ve all seen how unaccepting some groups can be at the thought of big tournaments coming to town. But it’s hard to bash a group that cleans up your shoreline for free.
MLF is also actively involved in bass research – specifically trophy bass – and taking samples of big fish at a number of stops to better understand the genetics behind their success. Auburn University is partnering in much of this research.
Perhaps the most enlightening information I received from Bardin and crew is the coordination going on between the MLF folks and individual state agencies, DNRs and the like. From what I gather, it appears to be in MLF’s interest to act as sort of a “national entity," coordinating conversations and data-sharing between states. This has always been a major hurdle, as biologists rarely contribute their ideas, successes and failures over state lines.
Finally, it can’t be ignored that the MLF model is pushing toward leaving bass out of a livewell. I haven’t heard yet how this could trickle down into leagues below the BPT; I’d bet it’s being discussed. But that’s a story in itself.
B.A.S.S. includes a similar, but expanded plan of action amongst its conservation arm, one that has evolved over time and continues to be a driving force in national policy. Here, we see six legs at the table:
> Encouraging scientific fishery management
> Ensuring angler access
> Habitat protection and enhancement
> Supporting responsible aquatic vegetation management
> Fighting invasive species
> Implementing best-management practices in tournament fish care
Right off the bat, it’s noticeable that habitat work is divided between aquatic vegetation issues and structure builds and enhancement. B.A.S.S., just like MLF, partners with Mossback to include habitat builds across the country. They do so in a little different fashion, though, instead utilizing initiatives planned by the B.A.S.S. Nation leaders across the country for grassroots help.
In fact, it’s these B.A.S.S. Nation State Directors, for the most part, who seem to be driving most of the efforts spearheaded by the organization. While talking with Gilliland, I heard stories of angler access issues headed up by the New Jersey Nation, habitat enhancement in Texas, public hearings carried out with input from the Oklahoma B.A.S.S. Nation, aquatic herbicide issues coinciding with the Florida group, and a grant helping the Nation in Louisiana.
Again, me paraphrasing here, it’s evident that a bulk of the work done by B.A.S.S. is initiated and carried out at the state level, while the national group, as Gilliland put it, acts “as a facilitator," making things easier.
B.A.S.S. also includes a conservation arm as part of its national sponsorship, should companies want to jump on. In recent years, AFTCO has done so proudly, and partnership with Yamaha has increased the dollars in the kitty. There are site clean-ups planned after Elite events this year, as well as funds directed toward the grassroots events. Tin Cup Whiskey signed on for a few projects, too.
I was enlightened to learn that B.A.S.S. also partners with a number of groups dedicated to conservations at the government level, like the ASA, the Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, the American Fisheries Society Administration and others. Gilliland, in fact, sits on a number of boards and councils.
Gilliland tells me that, back in the Ray Scott days of B.A.S.S., the group was one of few dedicated to conservation action at the capitol level. Now there are a number of groups like those mentioned who are professionals in the lobbying and legislation methods essential to getting things done. B.A.S.S. finds it better to partner with them.
So there’s quite a bit being done where we, as organized bass anglers, are working to make things better. Good publicity, but effective?
To some degree, yes. Litter is an overwhelming problem at most public access sites. And habitat enhancement certainly helps an aging fishery in the eyes of a bass fisherman.
But I see gaps that could be bridged. For one, pro bass media is far more interested in selling the fishery than discussing the issues, regardless how dismal. The events at the St. Johns River are a prime example. No one is “smashing the bass” there, believe me. Here, we need a united front to call it what it is, and help.
The same could likely be said for other issues nationwide. Asian carp in the country’s mid-section. Access problems. Western water struggles. I just don’t see much coming in terms of national exposure on things that remain a challenge. Instead, the big groups choose not to comment, and quickly move to greener pastures.
We’re doing great things as a bass fishing community, but we could be doing so much more. Are we even aware of what’s going on? And whose responsibility is that?
In the future, I’ll continue to dig deeper, and bring back the straight scoop.
(Joe Balog is the often-outspoken owner of Millennium Promotions, Inc., an agency operating in the fishing and hunting industries. A former Bassmaster Open and EverStart Championship winner, he's best known for his big-water innovations and hardcore fishing style. He's a popular seminar speaker, product designer and author, and is considered one of the most influential smallmouth fishermen of modern times.)
