Hooked on A Healthy River: Science on the Fly Launches Two New Short Films with American Fisheries Society Tomorrow’s Catch Campaign
Science on the Fly community scientist Dominic Lentini preparing for a day on the river.
Uniting Anglers and Climate Science
Healthy rivers are the lifeblood of our planet and they are changing fast. Warming temperatures, shifting precipitation, and human development are reshaping freshwater ecosystems across the globe. Science on the Fly (SOTF), a global community science initiative from the Woodwell Climate Research Center, connects anglers and river enthusiasts with scientists to monitor water quality and track the impacts of climate change.
We’re excited to announce two new Science on the Fly short films in Tomorrow’s Catch, a powerful new campaign from the American Fisheries Society highlighting the scientific, policy, and collaborative efforts driving aquatic ecosystem preservation. Our films showcase the power of anglers and scientists working together to protect our rivers. These films highlight the heart of our mission: gathering world-class climate data while inspiring conservation action.
Dominic Lentini: Angler Turned Conservationist
Fly fisherman Dominic Lentini knows Maine’s Saco River intimately—a passion born from a lifelong love for clean water and wild fish. Since 2021, Dominic has channeled that devotion into action as a dedicated Science on the Fly volunteer, collecting vital monthly water quality samples. “Sampling gives me a way to give back to the river that has given me so much”, Dominic says in the film.
Follow Dominic as he casts for trout and reflects on why climate-smart river conservation matters to anglers, communities, and future generations. Watch the samples he collects go straight to the Woodwell Climate Research Center for analysis. The goal is clear: We use this precise data to measure how climate change is altering our watersheds over time, ensuring we protect the future of the rivers you love.
Max Holmes on Science, Climate, and Community Action at Woodwell Climate Research Center
In a companion video, Dr. Max Holmes, President of Woodwell Climate Research Center and SOTF Co-founder, speaks directly to the core of our mission. Dr. Holmes underscores the pivotal role anglers play in advancing climate research and river protection. He explains how SOTF leverages this global community, from Maine to Chile, to build one of the world's most comprehensive datasets on freshwater change. In the face of climate change, Dr. Holmes emphasizes that maintaining healthy fish populations requires focusing on climate impacts, mitigating their effects on watersheds, and unifying the fly fishing community to stand up against them. This is a powerful fusion of grassroots passion and world-class climate science.
Why This Matters
Every single water sample tells a story— stories of rising stream temperatures, rapidly changing fish habitats, and the urgent need for climate adaptation. These environmental shifts are profoundly altering the waterways we cherish, threatening cold-water species and entire river ecosystems globally.
Science on the Fly is meeting this challenge by turning fly fishing into strategic climate action. We partner with anglers who possess intimate, seasonal, and deep knowledge of their local rivers. These anglers then sample at specific locations once a month before shipping back to Woodwell Climate for analysis. This data is otherwise impossible for scientists to collect- the personal observational data and the expanse of locations being sampled. This unique community collaboration ensures we secure the consistent, high-quality data necessary to inform policymakers and resource managers. Ultimately, we are driving the essential, climate-smart solutions needed to safeguard the future of our home waters.
Get Involved
“Sampling gives me a way to give back to the river that has given me so much”
Whether you’re a seasoned fly fisher, a weekend rafter, or simply someone who cares about clean water, you can join this movement. Support our research, sign up for our newsletters, or spread the word to help protect rivers for generations to come.
Support Our Project Here or Sign Up for Our Newsletters Here
A special thanks to: American Fisheries Society , Content with Purpose, Dominic Lentini, Joe Klementovich, and EZV Productions.
