NFC Seeks Native Fish Breeders

More than 20 percent of the world's known 10,000 freshwater fish species have become extinct or imperiled in recent decades. In the United States, 303 fish species, or 37 percent of the freshwater fish fauna, are at risk of extinction; 17 species have already gone extinct, mostly in this century. (Source: Nature Conservancy).

In order to raise people awareness of the plight of our native fish, the NFC has started a grass roots program aimed at the very people who have an interest in fish and fishkeeping.

It is estimated that nearly 26 million Americans have a fish tank in their homes. Many of these people are experienced fishkeepers who have been keeping and breeding fish from such exotic locals as South America, Asia and Africa.

Unfortunately, North America's fish have gone virtually unnoticed in the fish keeping hobby. "The fact that our native fish are so underappreciated has allowed many of them to slip to the brink of extinction almost unnoticed." The goal of the NFC's Breeder's Award Program is to try and focus the fishkeeping communities' attention on the amazing fish that North America has to offer. In the process, it is hoped, that more people will become aware of the threats that our native fish are facing and aide in the effort to help conserve one of our most amazing natural resources.

In return for breeding target fish, the participants will be awarded points. These points will be added to their points bank and when they reach a certain level, can be used to buy a cash reward from the BAP store.

"Most fishkeepers keep and breed fish out of their love for the hobby but breeding fish can be both expensive and time consuming. The BAP store is our way of trying to assist successful breeders with maintaining and expanding their breeding setups."

If you'd like to learn more about the NFC's Breeder's Award Program or, if you'd like to make a financial contribution, please visit their website at: http://www.nativefish.org

The Native Fish Conservancy (NFC) is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation, study and preservation of our native fishes and the watersheds they inhabit.