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Goal 3 - Why is it an important issue in Illinois?
A healthy and diverse fish community is integral to both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Fish act as both predator and prey, supporting several species of reptiles, birds, and mammals. They provide recreational fishing opportunities for Illinois residents, and the sale of fishing licenses provides thousands of dollars of funding to support conservation efforts.
Illinois is home to 196 species of freshwater fish, 35 of those are threatened or endangered.
Aquatic insects are crucial to the healthy functioning of any stream system. They are responsible for processing organic matter from leaf litter, algae, and other dead materials that enter the stream. These nutrients are vital to the survival of the many species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, aquatic birds, and mammals that prey on these insects.
