The North Eastern Council is constantly looking to improve or safeguard our natural resources, not only for the benefit of those we serve, but for all citizens and future generations.  Whether it's increasing the productivity of a trout waters, or working to restore vital habitat, the North Eastern Council is there to help.

You can also visit the Federation of Fly Fishers Conservation web page clicking on this link or selcet links to Coldwater, Warmwater and Saltwater conservation issues by using the links at the bottom of this page.

 
Fund First Ever Science Grant for Research of Fish Behavioral Studies
By Mike Hogue 
    This spring the NEC and the National FFF National Conservation Board agreed to fund one of the first ever science grants to help fund basic scientific research.  This process began last fall when I met a post-doc, Dr. James Liao.  Dr. Liao was introduced to me by Dr. Ed Brothers, who once served as a Professor of Ichthyology (fish biologist) at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.  Dr. Liao presented his Ph.D. research from his dissertation he wrote while attending Harvard University at a local fishing club meeting in Ithaca, NY.  His initial research was a study of hydraulics and fish behavior.  For several years, Dr. Liao studied fish behavior by watching fish move and how they responded to various geometric objects placed in the flow.  He used sensors attached to live fish to measure the muscle activity of their behavior.  He eventually was able to show that fish could shut down most of their muscles and "surf" on eddies created by objects in the flow.
    I met with Dr. Liao earlier this spring and he told me about the next step in his research: to understand the neurobiology of how fish used hair cells on the surface of their skin to detect eddies.  His eventual goal is to understand how fish can exploit turbulent flows and how to recreate the hydrodynamics of favorable flow environments for stream restoration purposes.  Dr. Liao's research combines neurobiology, hydrodynamics and biology with strong implications for anyone interested in stream restoration and conservation habitat work.
    The NEC and FFF grants enabled Dr. Liao to purchase a specialized underwater camera to continue his research while at Cornell University.  By funding his research, the FFF and the NEC are participating in leading edge scientific research that will provide all sorts of exciting outcomes for years to come.  When Dr. Liao completes his research, he will be preparing a paper for publication in the Fly Fisher (the FFF National magazine) and we hope to have him as a guest speaker at one of the National FFF Conclaves.  Congratulations Dr. Liao and best of luck with your research!

Stripers Foreverer - The NEC was one of the first FFF organizations to partner with the Stripers Foreverer organization, and their quest to have the Striped bass protected from over harvesting

Presumpcot River Dam - "FFF has decided to oppose the relicensing of a dam on the Presumpcot River in Maine. FFF is joining with the National Wildlife Federation, Conservation Law Foundation, Connecticut River Watershed Council, Water Stewards Network and others in support of the position of the State of Maine. At issue is whether there has been a violation of the Clean Water Act. The case citation is S.D. Warren v. Board of Environmental Protection. NEC will provide current information when received". 

FFF Cold Water web page - Click Here

FFF Warm Water web page - Click Here

 FFF Saltwater web page - Click Here