Fishing Ethics: A Call for Respectful Angling to Protect Wetland Ecosystems
Last afternoon, I spontaneously decided to visit Fenhe Wetland Park. I rode my bike to the North Central Ring Bridge, then descended to enter the park. As I stepped onto the steps under the bridge, I was surprised to see people practicing lure fishing. I sat there reading a book while watching them—their luck wasn’t great, though; not a single fish was caught. The water was shallow, full of hidden weeds that made it easy to get snagged. I waited an hour, and no security guard showed up to patrol. 
Discovering Hidden Fishing Spots in the Protected Core Area
After an hour, I checked the time and decided to leave. I followed a small path along the wetland shore into the core conservation area—where trees shaded the way and reeds swayed gently. 
To my surprise, I found several hidden fishing spots carved out by anglers. The scenery was beautiful, with lush reeds and clear water. 
It felt like a scene from a poem: “Tall reeds hide the angler, clear water carries the sandpiper.” 
The Dark Side: Abandoned Fish and Neglected Ecosystems
But my good mood vanished when I investigated these spots. As I walked down to one, I smelled a strong fishy stench and heard buzzing flies. Looking around, I saw three or four dead fish lying in the grass—some even reduced to bones. These were big crucian carp and carp, weighing over a pound each. Even if anglers didn’t plan to take them home, they should have released them. Instead, they left these fish to rot on the shore, as if venting their anger on innocent creatures. That’s just senseless waste of life. 
It got worse. They dumped trash everywhere, treating the wetland like a personal garbage bin. 
I even found abandoned fishing nets—some were large and half-buried in mud, almost impossible to pull out. These nets would trap more fish and harm the ecosystem long after the anglers left. I was furious. This isn’t just bad fishing etiquette; it’s a direct attack on the wetland’s health.
Conflicting Rules: Prohibition vs. Unenforced Reality
The Fen River Management Committee clearly bans fishing in the entire Fenhe Park. But how well is that rule enforced? From what I saw, not at all. I believe in “guidance over prohibition.” A noble person can endure poverty, but a petty person will act recklessly when poor. Strict bans often backfire—people find ways to sneak around, and the rules lose meaning. We need better management, not just bans. 
At a nearby sluice gate, I saw anglers fishing openly. When a security guard patrolled, they hid their rods under the gate ledge—but their big floats were still visible! The guard ignored them. Later, one angler caught a 1-2 pound crucian carp right in front of the guard. The guard didn’t care; he even joked and asked how many they’d caught. With that silent approval, the anglers fished openly, catching fish one after another—even double hook-ups. The bites were too easy, though. Why? Because people release farmed fish here every year, and they lack the wild instinct to avoid hooks. It broke my heart to see these released fish being wasted. 
Taking Action: Small Steps to Protect the Wetland
On my way back, I couldn’t just walk away. I grabbed a large shopping bag from a nearby lawn and started picking up trash—left by anglers and tourists alike. By the time I got back to the North Central Ring Bridge, the bag was stuffed full. It was just a tiny fraction of the mess, but it felt like something. I plan to report this to the Fen River Management Committee when I have time. Maybe they’ll finally take action to balance fishing access with ecosystem protection.
The Core of Ethical Angling: Respect for Life and Nature
Fishing isn’t just a hobby—it’s a responsibility. We need to be “ethical anglers” who follow these principles:
- Release unwanted fish immediately (use proper catch-and-release techniques)
- Never leave trash or fishing gear behind
- Respect protected areas and local rules
- Support wetland conservation efforts
When we treat nature with care, fishing becomes more meaningful. It’s not about how many fish we catch—it’s about enjoying the outdoors without harming it. Let’s do better for the wetlands, the fish, and future anglers.
What’s your experience with ethical angling? Have you seen similar issues in your local waters? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s start a conversation about responsible fishing!
