February 2023

Selecting harvest regulations to meet management objectives can be a challenge since biologists have to account for the variability of fish populations and differing angler desires for each waterbody. AGFC has a standard protocol for selecting appropriate regulations. First, biologists complete a thorough assessment utilizing data from sampling, population modeling, and angler surveys to determine whether pursuing regulations is warranted, and which regulations best meet management objectives. Biologists then present their proposed regulations for peer review to the AGFC Fisheries Division’s Management Section and to Fisheries Administration. If the proposed regulations make it through this rigorous review, the AGFC Fisheries Division’s Administration formally presents them to the AGFC Commissioners for consideration. Afterward, the AGFC collects public comments on all proposed regulations through a formal 30-day public comment period. Finally, the AGFC Commissioners review the public comments and information provided by staff to decide whether to approve or reject regulation proposals. Fishing regulations are set on a two-year cycle. New fishing regulations go into effect on January 1 of odd years.

The Arkansas Department of Health is issuing a fish consumption advisory for walleye on Bull Shoals Lake (Marion, Baxter, and Boone counties) and Norfork Lake (Baxter and Fulton counties). This advisory comes after some walleye from both waterbodies, collected by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and tested by the Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality, were found to contain levels of mercury that have the potential to put human health at risk. The ADH has scheduled a Feb. 7 meeting at the Donald W. Reynolds Library in Mountain Home beginning at 5 p.m. to answer public questions on this advisory. Personnel with AGFC and ADEQ will be in attendance as well to answer questions related to their roles in the process.

Arkansas State University established its esports teams in 2019 and over the past three years, the teams have expanded their reach across campus. There are now 35 players and eight teams.