LOSA Code of Ethics
1. All members will adhere to all fishing regulations as set forth by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) or the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), depending on where the member is angling.
2. All members are expected to demonstrate exemplary environmental stewardship practices. These practices include, but are not limited to:
a. No littering.
b. No wading on visible spawning redds.
c. No damage to riparian habitat.
d. No disturbing of the natural streambed unless it is related to an approved Association Improvement Project.
3. All members are expected to show the utmost respect for his/her quarry—this is not limited to steelhead, but shall include all species. Respect for quarry includes but is not limited to:
a. No wanton waste—this includes keeping a female fish species only for the purposes of obtaining the fish’s eggs. It is expected that a member consumes (or mounts) the carcass, or donates it for consumption.
b. Rapid dispatch of any fish to be kept for consumption or mounting.
c. No harassing (wading through, or fishing to) actively spawning fish.
d. Rapid and gentle release of fish that are being returned to the water. The Association understands the personal importance of photographs, and supports a members right to photograph a catch—we simply ask that all measures are taken to prevent undo harm to the fish during the process.
