Military Veterans Get Involved in Fisheries Conservation

Recent news from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA, for short) informs us that military veterans are soon to become actively involved in several environmental projects aimed at safeguarding and monitoring national fisheries.

This green-oriented program is the end result of a partnership between said organization, the California Conservation Corps and California's Department of Fish and Game.

Although their previous training and life experiences helped military veterans develop very specific skills when it comes to knowing their way around various natural habitats (harsh environmental conditions included), it seems that the individuals who are to join this program will nevertheless take some courses explaining the ins and outs of wildlife conservation.

Speaking on behalf of NOAA, Assistant Administrator Eric Schwaab made a case of how, “This is a win-win for everyone. Military veterans have tremendous skills to offer, and by helping to restore fish habitats they will be supporting the important role of commercial and recreational fishing in the economy.”

Furthermore, “Restoration jobs pay dividends twice, first because they put people to work immediately, and then because restoration benefits our fisheries, tourism, and coastal communities for years to come.”

As part of their green-oriented training, military veterans will spend roughly one year learning to properly manage the natural habitats under their care.

Thus, they will be taught how to properly collect information concerning local fish population and figure out whether or not on-going conservation projects are as efficient as expected and desired.

According to the same source, the fish species targeted first and foremost by this new conservation program are coho salmon, the Chinooks salmon and the steelhead trout, all of which have recently witnessed a decline in their population.

“California's ocean and river resources are part of our national heritage, and we are privileged to be able to offer some of these veterans jobs in restoration and conservation,” commented the head of the US Department of Fish and Game on this announcement.