Mission Mondays

The PFBC's mission in action:  protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth's aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities.

Close-up of a hand holding a juvenile freshwater mussel tagged with a pit tag and pink glitter

Join Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission biologists to learn more about the core of our mission to protect, conserve and enhance the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources. You don’t have to be an angler or boater for the work of the Commission to matter to you. Find out how the agency is keeping Pennsylvania’s waters clean and our aquatic species and habitats restored, maintained and protected.

Coming Up Next...

Two men wearing life jackets on a pontoon boat while boating in Prince Gallitzin State Park

Get Ready for Motorboat Season

May 5, 2025  |  12:00 - 12:30 p.m.

Presented by Adam Spangler, Boating Safety Education Specialist

Whether you are a beginner or seasoned boater, join us for this information packed session to help you make the most of this boating season. Hear about the best powerboating destinations across the state and ensure you are up to date on the essential boating laws and safety requirements. The season is fun when everyone is safe!

One woman wearing a life jacket while kayaking and another woman wearing a life jacket while paddleboarding at Marsh Creek State Park.

Paddle Pennsylvania:  Explore PA's Waters

May 12, 2025  |  12:00 - 12:30 p.m.

Presented by Adam Spangler, Boating Safety Education Specialist

Pull out your paddling gear and tune in to get ready for a season of adventures on the water. Whether you're gliding through calm lakes or tackling winding rivers, our experts will lead you through all you need to know to plan unforgettable trips including great paddling sports, paddling regulations and safety tips.

Mission Mondays Archive

Did you miss one of our Mission Mondays? View recordings of each week's presentation from our YouTube Channel below:

Close-up of hands holding juvenile freshwater mussels along a streambank with the PFBC logo and "Mission Mondays:  PFBC's Mission in Action" text shown.

February 3, 2025  |  Importance of PA Mussels

Presented by Nevin Welte, Malacologist/Nongame Biologist

Come learn about the Mighty Mussels of PA’s waters! Join PA Fish and Boat Commission staff as we explore the world of freshwater mussels and their role in preserving clean waterways.

Recording link coming soon

Close-up of a person holding a smallmouth bass to the camera with the PFBC logo and "Mission Mondays:  PFBC's Mission in Action" text shown.

February 10, 2025  |  Delaware River Highlights

Presented by Daryl Pierce, Area Fisheries Manager, Cooper Barshinger, Fisheries Biologist, Mike Porta, Area Fisheries Manager, and Tyler Grabowski, Fisheries Biologist

Join us as we highlight some of the fisheries within the Delaware River – the longest undammed river east of the Mississippi. We will discuss population trends and where we conduct surveys for several species: including trout, American Shad, Smallmouth Bass, and Striped Bass.

Recording link coming soon

Close-up of a yellow perch hooked with a fishing rod with the PFBC logo and "Mission Mondays:  PFBC's Mission in Action" text shown.

February 24, 2025  |  Erie Fisheries Highlights:  Perch and Walleye

Presented by Mark Haffley, Fisheries Biologist and Lake Erie Unit Leader

Join our staff to learn about Lake Erie Yellow Perch and Walleye populations, sampling practices, and fishing techniques in a 30 minute presentation. Lake Erie is currently experiencing record high catch rates for Walleye. At the end of the 2024 boating season, Yellow Perch fishing was as good as it has ever been. Mark will also provide information on how to get started and fishing tips for pursuing Walleye and Yellow Perch on Lake Erie.

Recording link coming soon

Close-up of a person holding a wild brook trout to the camera with the PFBC logo and "Mission Mondays:  PFBC's Mission in Action" text shown.

March 3, 2025  |  PA Wild Trout Waters:  A Reason to Celebrate

Presented by Jason Detar, Fisheries Biologist, and Nate Walters, Fisheries Biologist and Coldwater Unit Leader

Discover opportunities that PA Wild Trout Waters offer to anglers year-round.  With over 15,000 miles of Wild Trout Waters across the state, they are truly something to celebrate, enjoy, and protect.  Learn about efforts the PA Fish and Boat Commission and partnering organizations are implementing to protect and enhance these precious waterways.

Recording link coming soon

Photo Credit:  Jarren Uplinger. Close-up of bog turtle in lush green landscape with the PFBC logo and "Mission Mondays:  PFBC's Mission in Action" text shown.

March 10, 2025  |  Amphibian and Reptile Conservation

Presented by Kathy Gipe, Herpetologist/Nongame Biologist, and Chris Urban, Chief, Natural Diversity Section and Nongame, Threatened and Endangered Species Coordinator

Learn about the Commission’s conservation and management efforts for Pennsylvania’s native amphibian and reptiles.  We will provide an overview of the diversity of species of reptiles and amphibians found in the Commonwealth and discuss initiatives that PFBC is taking towards their conservation and management, including the threatened and endangered species program, implementation of Species Action Plans, and participation in regional conservation initiatives for several species of turtles.

Recording link coming soon

Close-up of a rusty crayfish, an aquatic invasive species, with the PFBC logo and "Mission Mondays:  PFBC's Mission in Action" text shown.

March 17, 2025  | What are Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)?

Presented by Sean Hartzell, Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator

Share lunch with a PA Fish and Boat Commission Biologist to understand the significance of preventing and controlling aquatic invasive species (AIS) affecting Pennsylvania’s aquatic ecology and outdoor recreation. Gain confidence in identifying AIS and AIS impact, practicing prevention, and informing others.

Recording link coming soon

Spruce Creek with streambank restoration and habitat improvement with the PFBC logo and "Mission Mondays:  PFBC's Mission in Action" text shown.

March 24, 2025  | Stream Habitat Projects and Fishing Benefits

Presented by Mark Sausser, Chief, Stream Habitat Section

Grab your lunch and learn more about the Fish and Boat Commission’s conservation mission and work to improve stream habitats.  We’ll highlight successful projects including angler access and children/disabled fishing areas, natural reproduction stream sections, stocked trout stream sections, and riparian buffer plantings.

Recording link coming soon

PFBC barge placing large boulders along a lakeshore with the PFBC logo and "Mission Mondays:  PFBC's Mission in Action" text shown.

March 31, 2025  | Lake Habitat Projects and Fishing Benefits

Presented by Ben Page, Chief, Lake Habitat Section

Join the PA Fish and Boat Commission to learn more about how we partner with community organizations to build artificial fish habitats for conservation and to improve fishing opportunities. Enjoy your lunch and learn more about resources available in your area. 

Recording link coming soon