Citizens Addressing our Changing Climate: Preserving angling in our waters

Open-water fishing is a tradition in the Bemidji area, drawing anglers not only to Lake Bemidji but also to the surrounding lakes.

With open-water fishing season in full swing, it’s essential to remember the broader ecosystem in which we fish and how to respect and preserve the tradition of Minnesota angling for generations to come.

Lakes are incredibly important to preserve angling. With climate change becoming increasingly prevalent in the area, the health of lakes and fish is threatened due to warmer water temperatures and enhanced variability in storm and precipitation patterns.

Warming air temperatures mean warming water temperatures; this can lead to adverse health and population effects in fish. This can lead to reduced public access to fishing and a decline in the quantity and quality of our favorite species.

Warmer water can lead to more algae blooms earlier in the season. Not only are some of these algae toxic, but they can also alter the whole ecosystem simply by limiting the amount of sunlight that reaches below the surface.

Less sunlight for aquatic plants to photosynthesize means fewer native plants and microorganisms, which in turn means less food for smaller baitfish and other native ecosystems. Fewer baitfish means a less stable food source for big fish and a potential population decline.

A changing climate means unstable and unpredictable storm and precipitation patterns. Not only does this make it harder to get out on the lake, but it can also change the ecosystem.

Storms like the one we saw earlier this summer can destroy the shoreline, and unpredictable rain can flood or dry out the shoreline. Shoreline is essential to the function of an aquatic ecosystem through natural water filtration of harmful chemicals or debris, and habitat for small fish and other small micro-organisms in the plants that can only thrive near the shore.

When low food chain organisms can’t thrive, neither can the fish we like to catch.

Human-caused changes have similar negative effects on Bemidji area fisheries. An obvious example is litter. Litter on the shoreline and litter in the water can have negative effects directly on fish health and water quality.

To avoid this, be careful with the garbage on your boat and at the landing, and dispose of it properly. Harmful chemicals used in everyday products, such as cosmetics, sunscreens, cleaning supplies and pesticides, can have adverse effects on water quality and fish reproduction.

Even if these supplies are limited to home use or you’re far away from the lake, they can still contaminate the soil and water over time.

Aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels, also alter the ecosystem. They can choke out native plants and mussels, limiting native food sources and natural water conditions, which can harm the patterns, behaviors, and health of the fish we like to catch.

To avoid the spread of these invasive species, practice draining live wells and cleaning boats between lakes. Help stop the spread of invasives to improve the health of the ecosystem and preserve angling in Minnesota!

With the prevalence of warming and other changing conditions, remember to do your part both while fishing and in your daily life to preserve Minnesota angling. Being mindful of the products you use and consume, limiting waste, disposing of it properly, and reducing carbon emissions to help curb climate change, while we still can.

As always, reach out to me to learn more via email amcaghon@gmail.com , and good luck out there.

Alison McAghon is a student at Bemidji State University and a member of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby organization. For more information, visit CitizensClimateLobby.org.