Florida International University’s Modesto A. Maidique campus offers a variety of lakes with wildlife such as turtles, iguanas, ducks, anhingas, and much more. Particularly, the lakes by the Kissing Bridge and Green Library are loved by students due to the dozens of turtles that call them home. Many students feed the turtles, take pictures, spend time by the lake, and generally enjoy seeing the turtles as they pass by towards their classes.

Recently, there have been various instances where students have been seen fishing at these lakes. Other students have reported finding turtles that have been “hooked” and significantly harmed as a result. Animals can be accidentally hooked or ingest baited fish hooks, causing unnecessary suffering. 

Florida International University has no clear policy for on-campus fishing, therefore we believe it is imperative that the university bans on-campus fishing in order to protect campus wildlife. This can be done through an amendment to the Student Conduct and Honor Code or by creating a new regulation for on-campus fishing. FIU has policies specifically tailored to concerns such as camping and expressive activities so it is not unreasonable to ask for a similar policy in regards to fishing activities on campus. Additionally, the implementation of “no fishing” signs could also serve as a deterrent for such activities. 

Ultimately, Florida International University needs to take steps to protect beloved campus wildlife, and such steps include regulating on-campus fishing.