Native Fish Restoration

Fishing tournaments and other competitive fishing events are generally incompatible with NPS resource management goals and objectives. Such events may be permitted only if the activity is clearly authorized within the National Park Service unit and will not result in any derogation of the values and purposes for which the park was established.

Commercial fishing in National Park units is allowed only where specifically authorized by federal law or treaty rights. When commercial fishing is authorized, the National Park Service works with fisherman to balance harvest with the health of the aquatic ecosystem. Exploited fish populations must continue to be self- sustaining and harvest-rates, methods and gear must minimize adverse effects on other natural resources. Most commercial fishing in park units is managed by issuing permits and requiring reports on harvest inside NPS boundaries.

The restoration of depleted native fish stocks and the recovery threatened and endangered fishes are among the highest priorities for fisheries management in the National Park System. Restoration of native fish populations and communities may involve the control or eradication of nonnative species that have contributed to depletion through predation, hybridization or competition for limiting resources. Activities to achieve restoration may also include reintroduction to unoccupied habitats, barrier removal or modification, and implementation special fishing regulations.