It all began with a copy of The Log newspaper. Shawn McBride, an educator at Sycamore Junior High School in Anaheim, came across an article that sparked an idea. The story introduced the Vamos A Pescar Grant, an initiative by the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) aimed at providing fishing and boating opportunities to Hispanic and Latino communities. As an avid angler, McBride saw the potential for this grant to make a significant impact and decided to apply.
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To his excitement, McBride was awarded the grant, and The Fishing Program was born. This initiative goes beyond teaching students the basics of fishing; it focuses on marine conservation and hands-on learning experiences. Determined to expand its reach, McBride partnered with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching and Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, creating an immersive program centered around the lifecycle of white seabass.
On Wednesday, December 11, the program embarked on its second outing of the year aboard Dana Wharf’s Clemente, a sportfishing vessel that has become integral to the students’ experience. During this trip, the students released 40 juvenile white seabass that they had cared for since the fish were tiny specks.
This hands-on process is both educational and impactful. Students learn how to monitor the fish as they grow, gaining insight into tagging techniques that researchers use to track movements and survival rates. These tags are essential for supporting the recovery of the white seabass fishery, which has faced significant challenges in recent decades.
McBride emphasized that the program goes beyond teaching fishing skills, focusing on giving students an active role in conservation and demonstrating how their actions can positively impact the environment.
Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching is critical to the program’s success. The crew provides a unique platform for students to understand sustainable fishing and witness the fruits of their efforts as the fish they nurtured are released back into the wild.
Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute adds a scientific layer to the program, emphasizing the importance of tagging and fisheries management. Data collected from tagged fish helps researchers understand migration patterns, survival rates, and the overall health of the white seabass population.
McBride noted that the collaboration between Hubbs, Dana Wharf, and The Fishing Program underscores the significance of combining education with conservation efforts.
The Fishing Program’s impact extends far beyond the water. Students gain practical skills, such as knot-tying and handling fishing gear, while developing a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems and the need to protect them. Parents have praised the program, noting how it inspires curiosity and pride in their children.
For Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, the program aligns seamlessly with their mission to foster a love for the ocean while promoting sustainable practices
With every fish released, the partnership between The Fishing Program, Dana Wharf, and Hubbs continues to make a tangible impact—not only on the health of the white seabass fishery but also on the students’ growth as conservation-minded individuals.
As the juvenile white seabass were released into the ocean that December morning, they reflected the success of the program and embodied a broader vision: a commitment to the future of the fishery and the cultivation of a new generation dedicated to environmental stewardship.
