LDWF Aquatic Volunteer Instructor teaches youth about fish anatomy and fish identification at a fishing rodeo in Metairie, LA.

Looking to make a difference in your community? Become a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Aquatic Volunteer Instructor to help educate youth and adults across the state about Louisiana’s fisheries and aquatic resources. LDWF is hosting multiple Aquatic Volunteer Instructor Program workshops across the state this spring. Workshops will be tailored to either formal/informal educators or the general public. If you, or someone you know, are interested in becoming an Aquatic Volunteer Instructor (Aquatic VIP), then please register for a workshop near you.

LDWF Fisheries Extension—Outreach and Education staff train new Aquatic Volunteer Instructors on a knot tying activity during a workshop in Woodworth, LA.

 

These hands-on workshops include topics on fish identification, fishing and casting assistance, and other fisheries-related activities. Volunteer instructors are trained and certified by Fisheries Outreach and Education staff, and attending a workshop is the first step to becoming a certified Aquatic VIP. Certified Aquatic VIPs must also pass a background check as well as a course and policy test. Once certified, instructors gain access to activity guides, lesson plans, fishing equipment, and other aquatic educational materials and resources.

Upcoming workshops:

Wednesday, March 27, 2024 – Educator’s Workshop in Minden

Thursday, April 4, 2024 – Educator’s Workshop in New Orleans

Thursday, April 11, 2024 – General Public Workshop in Hammond

Tuesday, April 16, 2024 – General Public Workshop in Pineville

All workshops are free! To learn more about the Aquatic Volunteer Instructor Program or to register for an upcoming workshop please visit: https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/aquatic-vip.

Aquatic Volunteer Instructors educate youth about aquatic invasive species at a fishing rodeo in Metairie, LA.

 

The Aquatic Volunteer Instructor Program is funded by the Sport Fish Restoration Fund, a USFWS grant program that provides funds to the states, the District of Columbia and insular areas fish and wildlife agencies for fishery projects, boating access and aquatic education. 

The Aquatic Volunteer Instructor Program is hosted in conjunction with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation (LAWFF). The LAWFF was formed to provide a means for individuals and corporations to become partners with LDWF and the Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries Commission in the challenge of conserving Louisiana’s wildlife and fisheries resources. 

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. LDWF depends on license sales as a major funding source.  Please help us protect your hunting and fishing heritage while preserving habitat, wildlife, and aquatic resources by purchasing your license at www.wlf.la.gov. To receive email or text alerts signup here.