Helping Watch Over Our Waterways
The Wallaceburg Advisory Team for a Cleaner Habitat (WATCH) recently teamed up with some of the most experienced anglers from Ontario, Michigan, and Ohio. People who spend more time on the water than most of us spend watching TV! These fishing pros have seen it all: changes in fish numbers, shifting habitats, unusual plants popping up, and water that sometimes just isn’t as healthy as it should be.
At a Citizen Science workshop during the Canadian Tire Mitchell’s Bay Open fishing tournament, they shared stories, concerns, and some fascinating observations:
- Fish Tales with a Twist – Smallmouth bass seem to be disappearing, but walleye and largemouth bass are making a comeback.
- Weedy Invaders – Plants like Starry Stonewort and phragmites are moving in and making life tough for fish, while the lurking threat of Asian carp keeps everyone on alert.
- Water Worries – Runoff from farms, algae blooms, and the occasional industrial spill are still big concerns. Anglers want more honesty and better communication about these risks.
- Pass It On – Teaching new and young fishers how to care for the waterways — and making sure rules are followed — is a must.
- Working Together – Anglers know their “on-the-water” wisdom can help scientists and decision-makers keep our rivers and lakes thriving.
These conversations prove just how much valuable knowledge lives in our community — and how powerful it can be when shared.
If you enjoy being outdoors, notice changes in nature, or simply care about the future of our rivers and lakes, you can help too. WATCH Citizen Science is building a local team of keen-eyed observers to protect our shared waters for generations to come.