Letters: Protect carp at sea

ISSUE | SHAD

Protect fish at sea

Shad play a critical role in rivers and oceans and are part of our Pennsylvania heritage ("Fish-counter's goal: Adding to shad numbers," May 15). We can take steps to rebuild shad populations in our rivers, but these fish need better protection when they are at sea if they're to make it to spawn in freshwater.

The management system doesn't do enough to protect fish such as shad that are caught unintentionally and in substantial numbers by commercial fishermen targeting more economically valuable species. When Congress updates the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act - the primary law that governs fisheries in federal waters - it should encourage a big-picture approach to managing these and other fish. We need scientists to continue their work and elected officials to strengthen fisheries management to ensure we build sustainable fish populations for generations to come.

|Todd Pride, managing director, Mid-Atlantic Youth Anglers and Outdoors Program, Philadelphia, CoachTodd@MidAtlanticYouthAnglers.com