Goodbye to “Rough Fish”: Paradigm Shift in the Conservation of Native Fishes

While sometimes difficult to admit, perspectives of European and white males have overwhelmingly dominated fisheries science management in the USA. This dynamic is exemplified by bias against “rough fish”—a pejorative ascribing low-to-zero value for countless native fishes. One product this that biologists ironically worked conservation diverse fishes over a century, these problems persist today. Nearly all U.S. states retain bag limits other policies are regressive encourage overfishing decline species. Multiple lines evidence point towards need paradigm shift. These include: (1) species deliver critical ecosystem services; (2) little demonstration fish removals intended benefits; (3) many long-lived vulnerable decline; (4) fisher values demographics shifting conservation. Overall, existing unacceptable run counter public trust doctrine where government agencies manage natural resources use. We revisit their regarding provide suggestions developing more holistic, protective, inclusive policy.