2016 Annual Report • Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 31
A Q U A T I C E D U C A T I O N P R O G R A M R E A C H E S T H O U S A N D S
Each year, Game and Parks provides newcomers and novices the
opportunity to learn and spend some time fishing. In 2016, the agency
hosted 27 Family Fishing events, in which equipment, bait and instruction
were provided. Other opportunities included Carp-O-Rama carp fishing
events and ice-fishing workshops. In all, more than 200 activities were
hosted by Youth Fishing Program volunteers, reaching nearly 18,000
Nebraskans. Two classroom aquatic programs continued to expand. Trout
in the Classroom allowed 2,400 students to hatch and raise rainbow trout,
thus learning about aquatic ecosystems, water quality, aquatic life cycles,
Nebraska fish species and recreational fishing. The Fishing in Nebraska
Schools program gave 2,500 students the chance to learn basic fishing
skills, including equipment, techniques, fish identification and life history.
In both programs, students became familiar with the role of the agency in
protecting and managing the state's aquatic resources.