PCEE

Pennsylvania Center for Environmental Education

According to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, our state has plenty of streams, rivers, lakes and ponds for those who like to go fishing.

power lines
Source:EPA

Numerous fishing methods are used in Pennsylvania, and elsewhere in the country, to catch fish and shellfish. Regardless of our geographic location, it is important to be aware of how fish are being caught because some fishing methods are known to cause environmental damage.

(sources: Monterey Bay Aquarium
PA Fish and Boat Commission )

How much do you know about the various methods of fishing? Match the method to its description:
Gillnetting	A. Heavy frame with a mesh bag that is dragged across the seafloor, possibly damaging habitat along the way
Trawling or Dragging	B. A central line with baited hooks left to soak in open waters; often attracts and kills seabirds and sharks
Dredging	C. Netting that entangles fish and may inadvertently kill sea turtles
Hook and Lining	D. Cages used for catching shellfish and crustaceans; may damage seafloor or attract unintended species
Trolling	E. Hooks and lines towed behind or alongside a boat to catch fish in an environmentally responsible manner
Longlining	F. Used to catch schooling fish; net encircles school and a variety of other nearby species
Traps and Pots	G. A pole, line and bait used to catch fish in an environmentally friendly way
Purse seining	H. Cone-shaped net that is dragged along the seafloor, catching everything in its path

Congratulations for submitting the correct answer!
Name	County
Marissa Ankney	Westmoreland
Steven Ankney	Westmoreland
Andrew Avril	Mercer
Troy Balega	Westmoreland
Jaclin Boorse	Delaware
Taylor Byers	Westmoreland
Slena Clark	Westmoreland
Andrea Darazio	Westmoreland
Sal DeCario	Westmoreland
Devan Diss	Westmoreland
Stephen Falance	Delaware
Joshua Gump	Westmoreland
Katie Jablonski	Mercer
Julie Jenkins	Westmoreland
Courtney Kahl	Westmoreland
Tressa Kelly	Westmoreland
Nicole Latta	Westmoreland
Breana Liberoni	Westmoreland
Krystalyn Martin	Westmoreland
C McCarron	Delaware
Joshua McCleary	Westmoreland
Alyson McElhinny	Mercer
Jeannie McGuire	Delaware
Sumit Pareek	Bucks
Robert Porter	Delaware
Jennifer Resslar	Westmoreland
Liz Richards	Allegheny
Melissa Richards	Westmoreland
Caitlin Rust	Mercer
Brittney Seevers	Westmoreland
Desiree Sheffler	Westmoreland
Arianna Skiff	Mercer

snowglobe
Source: USDA

Stuck?

Look here:

Monterey Bay Aquarium

utility pole
Source: USDA

Pennsylvania Environment and Ecology Standard

4.8 Humans and the Environment

Activity:

The Impact of Fishing

Back to "The Question of the Week" Homepage