Fishing Floating Classroom with the International Game Fish Association Summer Camp

Overview

On Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024, The International SeaKeepers Society collaborated with the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) Summer Camp to host 26 students and chaperones aboard DISCOVERY Yacht River Queen for a fishing trip on Biscayne Bay. Following a safety briefing from our captain, JD, our Community Engagement Associate, Lillian, provided an introduction to Biscayne Bay, highlighting how Miami's development and urbanization have transformed the bay and affected its water quality through pollution. Our first fishing spot was near a drawbridge in the North Bay. Here, IGFA’s Youth Angling Instructor, Joanna, assisted each student in locating their fishing rods, baiting their hooks, and finding a suitable spot to cast their lines. After an unsuccessful attempt at this location, we navigated to the mouth of the Oleta River to try fishing near the mangroves. At this spot, the students successfully caught two fish: a Yellowfin Mojarra and a Checkered Puffer. Everyone had the opportunity to observe the fish before they were carefully released back into the water. For many students, this was their first experience on Biscayne Bay, and we are proud to connect them with their local ecosystem through unique learning opportunities like this one. We are grateful to the IGFA and DISCOVERY Yacht River Queen for a successful outing and look forward to future collaborations!