The reproductive success of brown trout Salmo trutta in White River, Arkansas, tailwater reaches is highly variable, resulting in the need for supplemental stocking. A better understanding of the physical and biotic factors affecting reproduction and survival would enhance the contribution of wild fish. We compared fecundity, reproductive chronology, physical habitat, water quality, trout density, food availability, diet, predation, and competitive interactions among four tailwater reaches to identify factors influencing brown trout reproductive success. The fecundity and condition factor of prespawning brown trout were significantly lower at Beaver Tailwater, a reach known for reproductive failure, than at other sites, among which no differences were found. Brown trout spawning was observed from 11 October to 23 November 1996, and juvenile emergence began on 28 February 1997. Significant among‐site differences were detected for spawning and juvenile microhabitat variables, but the variables fell within or near suitable or optimal ranges reported in the literature for this species. Age‐0 brown trout density differed significantly among sites, but growth and condition did not. Predation by Ozark sculpin Cottus hypselurus on trout eggs or age‐0 trout of any species was not observed among the 418 stomachs examined. Ozark sculpin density and diet overlap with age‐0 brown trout were highest and invertebrate food availability and water fertility were lowest at Beaver Tailwater relative to the other reaches. Our findings indicate that differences in trophic conditions occur among tailwater reaches, and a lower system productive capacity was identified at Beaver Tailwater. We suggest that management efforts include refining the multispecies trout stocking regime to improve production efficiency, enhancing flow regulation, and increasing habitat complexity to increase invertebrate and fish productivity. Such efforts may lead to improved natural reproduction and the increased abundance and quality of wild trout in this system and other regulated rivers.

Environmentally literate citizens capable of making informed decisions are essential to successfully managed fisheries. Fisheries‐focused environmental education programs may help build environmental literacy, but experimental evaluations are needed to determine the effectiveness of fisheries education programs. We begin addressing this need with a study of “Shad in the Classroom.” The program engages students in American Shad Alosa sapidissima restoration through rearing and releasing fry. We used a pre/post, treatment (n = 777)/control (n = 57) evaluation during the 2016–2017 academic year. Participation in the program created large improvements in American Shad knowledge between tests (P < 0.001). All students gained knowledge, but African Americans (P < 0.001) and students identifying as “other” races and ethnicities (P = 0.003) fell behind their peers. Shad in the Classroom is an effective tool for teaching children about fisheries management but, may help ethnic minorities the least, suggesting a need to tailor content for diverse students.

We surveyed U.S. state and Canadian provincial fish and wildlife agencies regarding their participation and approach to environmental review (i.e., review of project permit applications or proposals for environmental impacts). Most agencies dedicated a personnel unit to environmental review ranging from 1 individual to a staff of 38, and staffs are administered within various divisions or programs. Agencies annually reviewed from 10 to 7,500 projects for environmental impact, and state and provincial agencies spent an average of 3,681 hours (state) and 700 hours (provincial) on projects monthly. An average of 1,760 hours (state) and 390 hours (provincial) was spent annually on proactive measures such as environmental education and land use planning. Most agencies viewed environmental review as very important; however, agencies generally reported limited success in influencing the outcome of reviewed projects, and many identified this as a dissatisfying aspect of the review process. State and provincial agencies have adopted a variety of approaches to accomplish environmental review. Examining the alternative strategies and approaches employed among agencies may add perspective and provide successful models to enhance other agencies' programs.