Capture the Perfect Fishing or Boating Moment and Win

Great Lakes Region “Focus on Fish Health” Photo Contest

(Vocus) May 25, 2010

This summer, fishing and boating enthusiasts all across the Great Lakes region can submit candid photos of their finest moments on the water to win prizes and bragging rights at http://www.FocusOnFishHealth.org.

The monthly online photo contest is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Focus on Fish Health campaign.    

Dr. Gary Egrie, APHIS, senior staff veterinarian, says, “We hope visitors who come to our website to enter the contest will stay to learn more about protecting fish from infectious diseases like Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS). We encourage them to spread the message that transferring water, bait or mud and vegetation between bodies of water threatens the recreational activities we all enjoy – boating and fishing in clean, safe water. We encourage everyone to get the facts and do their part in protecting fish health this summer.”

Photographs should be submitted online to http://www.FocusOnFishHealth.org in one or more of three categories: Most Impressive Catch, Happiest Boaters on the Water, and Family Fun Fishing or Boating. A maximum of three photos can be submitted by each contestant.

During June, July and August, winners in each category will be posted on the web site each month. Winners will receive a Focus On Fish Health duffle bag.

More information including simple steps to protect aquatic life, contest rules and guidelines, are available at http://www.FocusOnFishHealth.org.

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