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#60 || Dr. David Philipp & Dr. Steven Cooke: The Great Bass Sanctuary Experiment
Description
During the COVID shutdowns, fishing pressure on nesting bass dropped dramatically, creating an amazing natural experiment. Nesting success soared, recruitment exploded and fisheries scientists Dr. David Philipp and Dr. Steven Cooke suddenly had compelling evidence that protecting bass during the spawning period could dramatically strengthen future year classes.
The discovery led to one of the most exciting fisheries management experiments underway anywhere in North America. Philipp and Cooke have been testing whether protecting carefully selected small spawning areas in Lake Opinicon can rebuild bass populations while maintaining outstanding fishing opportunities.
Today, David and Steven return to Doc Talks Fishing with the latest findings from Year Three of The Great Bass Sanctuary Experiment. What they've discovered could change the future of bass management across much of North America.