ESPN

''To me the issue of limiting the illegal introductions of fish by anglers is clearly an education problem. I think the most effective strategy will be the development of partnerships among government agencies, particularly state fish and wildlife agencies, angling-oriented media and organized fishing groups. Such partnerships could combine their efforts to effectively communicate the risks of such introductions to anglers. Laws and regulations can be part of the solution, but these alone will be largely ineffective.''

— Fred Harris
Chief of Inland Fisheries
North Carolina Wildlife
Resources Commission

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''State fishery management agencies need to have sufficient rules and regulations in place that restrict the movement of live fish from one body of water to another, as well as regulations that prohibit the release of any live aquatic wildlife, especially live baitfish. All states, including my own, need to have an aggressive information and education campaign that gets in front of anglers to remind them of the need to protect waters from illegal introductions. Also, anglers should remember to never, ever, release live baitfish from their boat's livewell when they're done fishing.''

— Robin Knox
Sportfish Program Manager
Colorado Division of Wildlife

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''The movement of fish can cause shifts in the fish community, making fishing poor; can carry hitchhikers (parasites, diseases and plants); can place unwanted predators into waters where they threaten endangered fish, damaging our sportfishing opportunities; wastes your license dollar; and risks revocation of an individual's fishing privileges. Is it worth the risk? Spreading the word is the best approach to addressing this issue. It's my responsibility as a fisheries manager, BASS' responsibility as a premier information provider, and "our" responsibility as anglers to spread the word. Illegal and uncoordinated movement of fish is just flat bad for fish and fishing.''

— Larry Riley
Chief of Fisheries
Arizona Game and Fish Department

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