What does conservation actually look like in everyday life — beyond policies, protests, and headlines?

In this episode, I’m sharing what I learned during a summer working in the field interviewing recreational saltwater fishers in Rhode Island. What began as a straightforward data collection job with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management quickly turned into an unexpected masterclass in conservation, stewardship, and the power of paying attention.

I talk about how recreational fishers often act as unofficial data collectors, why people protect the places they feel connected to, and how conservation values are passed down through stories, habits, and generations. I also explore why stewardship is often quiet and habitual, and how joy, routine, and emotional connection to nature can be some of the most powerful drivers of conservation action.

Whether you’re a fisher, diver, beachgoer, or simply someone who loves the natural world, this episode is an invitation to rethink what conservation really looks like, and why noticing, connecting, and finding joy in nature might be where it truly begins.

Episode Show Notes - https://caseysnook.com/summer-interviewing-recreational-fishers-conservation-lessons

Learn more about the RI APAIS program - https://dem.ri.gov/natural-resources-bureau/marine-fisheries/recreational-saltwater-fishing/apais-program

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Podcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thisismarineconservation/

Say hello! - casey@caseysnook.com