What is the fishing restriction around an operational fishway?

The restriction around an operational fishway is set to protect migratory fish species and ensure that they can navigate around barriers such as dams. By closing off areas within 150 feet of the fishway, this regulation helps minimize disturbances from fishing activities that could interfere with the natural movement and spawning behaviors of the fish.

A closure of this distance also serves to create a buffer zone, allowing fish to enter and exit the fishway without the stress of being hunted or caught, which is particularly important given the challenges many fish populations face. This regulation reflects a commitment to conservation efforts, ensuring the safeguarding of vulnerable fish species that rely on these pathways for their life cycles.

In contrast, shorter distance restrictions or open fishing policies would not provide sufficient protection to the fishways, potentially leading to negative impacts on the fish populations that are crucial for the ecosystem's health.