*At it's peak in the 1920s, over 140 fishing tugs steamed out of Erie's harbor, bringing their catch back to the city's 14 fish processing plants. Commercial fishing was a million dollar a year industry, employing 3,500 men full time. In 1920, the Chamber of Commerce proclaimed Erie "the Fresh Water Fishing Capital of the World." By the late 1990s Erie's commercial fishing fleet had dwindled down to just a few boats.Earth Force students at Klein School want to know why.
Using the Earth Force 6 step process......a core process that enables youth to take action in their communities and improve the environment (see www.earthforce.org/section/resources/ ) students from Klein School decided to explore the history of fishing in our area and where we are now environmentally.
This project ties in with:
Ø how past events affect present environmental issues
Ø how local environmental challenges have been addressed in the past; and
Ø how historical context can help them to effectively address today's environmental problems
According to Klein teacher, Ms. Marge Randolph, researching fishing in the Erie area has surprised her students as to its importance in the Erie economy both past and present. Learning about the popularity of steelhead fishing and its impact on fishing-related businesses and the service sector was obtained through personal interviews the students did with anglers, on Seven Mile Creek in Harborcreek Township, in November 2004. The majority of fishermen they interviewed were from Pittsburgh and communities south of Erie.
As part of their project, timelines will be prepared to show the history of water quality and fishing in Erie...from past to present. The timeline will show the condition of the water, pollutants that were present in the 1800's and progress made. The students plan to research: decline of fish species, history of water quality and where we are now. Research is a unique step of the Earth Force process to gain knowledge before analyzing the current situation and determining actions to solve the problem. It takes students from analyzing the current situation to problem solving.
In October 2004, Klein students went to the Bayfront Center for Maritime Studies on Erie's bayfront, to further their research. PA Sea Grant education specialist, Anne Danielski, took them out on the Momentum, a 42-foot Friendship Sloop to become "sailors and scientists" for a day. While one group of students was busy plotting their course to a sampling site, others discussed the impact of zebra mussels in Presque Isle Bay. Students returned shoreside and analyzed their bottom sediment, and plankton samples and learned important lessons about water quality and pollution as well as the important role they each can play as stewards of the environment. A fieldtrip to Glinodo Center allowed students to learn more about water quality testing.
Further study and research will be done at the Erie County Historical Society and meetings with the S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie and the PA Department of Environmental Protection Earth Force staff and Senator Jane Earll. The students will then be ready to create an action plan that will enhance "fishing" in Erie.
*Source: http://www.brigniagara.org/fishing.htm
