Who We Are

Our Vision

A future where every public waterbody has the habitat it needs to thrive, and where anglers are not just users of the resource - but active stewards of it. We envision fisheries that are healthier, more resilient, and more accessible because conservation is built into everyday outdoor culture, commerce and community.

Our Mission

FISSUES exists to rebuild fish habitat on public waters by turning retail participation into measurable, on-the-water conservation impact. We partner with proven habitat providers, public agencies, and local communities to fund, install, and steward durable aquatic habitat - starting where access is highest and need is greatest. We don't just raise awareness, we put structure in the water.

Our Values

Stewardship

We believe caring for natural resources is a responsibility. Conservation must be intentional, transparent, and long-term.

Transparency

We don’t hide where the money goes. We share where habitat is installed, who we partner with, and how impact is measured.

Legacy

We’re building something meant to last - healthier fisheries today and stronger conservation leaders tomorrow.

Partnership First

Lasting conservation happens through collaboration. We work alongside agencies, habitat experts, retailers and communities, respecting existing expertise and shared goals.

Public

We focus on public waters and high-use areas - places where habitat improvements benefit the most people, especially families and youth anglers.

Education

We believe people learn stewardship best by participating in it. Our projects are designed to teach conservation by doing, not just by telling.

  • 2026
  • 2025
Lake Bennett - Woolly Hollow State Park

First restoration initiative

Mission-Forward

FISSUES established

FISSUES is founded with a clear purpose: turn everyday purchases into real habitat restoration through public-private partnerships, community engagement, and youth education.

FAQs

FAQs

Why does FISSUES exist? Isn't habitat restoration already being done?

Yes - habtiat restoration is being done, but not at the scale or speed needed, especially on high-use public waters.

FISSUES exists to help close the gap between public demand for healthier fisheries and the limited funding available to build and maintain fish habitat. Many agencies and conservation groups know what needs to be done but lack consistent, flexible funding streams.

We exist to :

  • Add new funding, not replace existing programs
  • Focus on visible, public-access waters
  • Turn everyday participation into real habitat in the water
How is FISSUES different from a traditional conservation nonprofit?

FISSUES is built around action-first conservation, not awareness-only fundraising.

Rather than relying solely on donations or grants, we:

  • Fund habitat through retail-driven participation
  • Partner with proven habitat providers
  • Work alongside agencies and communities
  • Emphasize durable, physical improvements

Our role is to fund, coordinate and amplify habitat work - while keeping outcomes transparent and measureable.

Why focus on fish habitat instead of stocking fish?

Fish stocking without habitat is a short-term solution.

Habitat:

  • Supports natural reproduction
  • Improves survival and growth rates
  • Benefits multiple species
  • Provides long-term ecological stability

Healthy habitat creates self-sustaining fisheries, which means better fishing today and stronger fisheries tomorrow. We believe habitat is the foundation everything else depends on.

Why do you prioritize public waters and places like fishing piers?

Public waters are where:

  • The most anglers are
  • Families and youth are introduced to the sport
  • Habitat deficiencies are often most visible

By restoring habitat in high-access areas - like public fishing piers - we ensure the widest possible benefit, while also making conservation efforts visible, educational and accountable to the public.

How do I know my support actually makes a difference?

Transparency is core to what we do.

For every project, we aim to clearly communicate:

  • What habitat was installed
  • Where it was placed
  • Why the location was chosen
  • Who the partners were

Our goal is for supporters to see real structure in real water, not just reports or promises. We publish all projects - individually and collectively - in the Field Guide.

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