Project F.I.S.H.

What Is Project Fish?

Involvement of youth in a long term and continuous, community supported, sportfishing and aquatic resource education program.

Vision

The Michigan Project FISH program works through a statewide committee with representatives from: Michigan 4-H Youth Programs, Michigan State University Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, Michigan United Conservation Clubs, recreation departments, service organizations, sportfishing industries/retailers, volunteers, and many others.

Project Goals

• Provide multiple experience sportfishing giving youth gradual, sportfishing mentoring and a lifelong learning process.
• Develop in kids an appreciation of the outdoors and outdoor ethics and behaviors.
• Encourage kids to spend time outdoors. Introduce youth to sportfishing as a hobby and lifetime pursuit.
• Reach youth through clubs, schools, and sportsmen's organizations.
• Help adults as mentors spend time with youth.
• Involve teachers, adult volunteer youth leaders, teen leaders, and retirees as mentors.
• Provide training for volunteers, with volunteers attending as members of a local team.
• Help instructors develop willingness and ability to start and sustain a long term program in their local communities (including management/coordinator strategies).
• Help instructors and youth gain new knowledge and confidence, enjoyment of the outdoors, aquatic biology/ecology, ethics and angling skills.
• Show local teams of instructors how to use available resources that highlight accessible fishing opportunities.