ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It’s an ongoing problem at ponds along Albuquerque’s Bosque, and now city officials are working to protect the wildlife from harm.
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Several signs in the Bosque are meant to deter people from bothering the wildlife. They also tell people not to fish in its ponds. But some are ignoring the signs and officials say under current law, they can’t be cited for it. “All of these areas are really special, especially right now in times of our river drying,” said Colleen Langan-McRoberts, Superintendent of Open Space, City of Albuquerque.
It’s supposed to be a safe haven for local wildlife, but officials said they’ve gotten reports of people fishing in these protected ponds despite signs that prohibit it. “One of the negative impacts of fishing is especially people leaving behind their hooks and their fishing lines, that other animals can get caught into and it can really hurt them,” said Langan McRoberts.
The City of Albuquerque’s Open Space Department said it also hurts the Bosque’s natural ecosystem. “So when we were looking at the fact that people were fishing here and then reviewing our ordinance that covers many different types of animals, guess what? It excluded fishes,” said Langan McRoberts.
That’s why City Councilor for District 7 Tammy Fiebelkorn is working to update it. “Right now, these areas are posted, no fishing, no harming of animals. And so updating the ordinance really just gives our open space staff the extra backing to actually enforce those posts,” said Fiebelkorn.
Open space staff said they will continue warning the public about fishing in the area, but under the new law, they would also be able to cite violators. “The most important thing we can do as residents as people who enjoy and love these places, is to treat them with respect, and a part of that is to not bother the wildlife,” said Langan McRoberts.
You are allowed to fish legally in the nearby Rio Grande and at Tingley Beach ponds, which are stocked by New Mexico Game and Fish, so long as you have the proper licensing. Fiebelkorn’s proposal is set to go before Albuquerque City Council next week, after passing unanimously in committee.
