Photography by Stephen Buchanan
Born and raised in the Chesapeake Bay region, Mike Wissel has always loved the area’s rivers and developed an interest in fishing at a young age. When he moved back to Maryland in 2009 from New York—where he had been pursuing his career—he renewed his passion for the sport of angling. So, when Wissel noticed a decline in the number of fish caught while enjoying one of his favorite pastimes, he became concerned and knew that he had to help.
While participating in a fishing tournament hosted by Coastal Conservation Association Maryland (CCA Maryland), he met a lot of like-minded people who shared his interest in conservation. After speaking to the then-executive director of CCA Maryland, Wissel decided to take action. In 2014, he co-founded one of many regional chapters (Central Region Chapter), and he has been a staunch advocate and dedicated volunteer for the entire organization since that time.
“It’s our responsibility to help conserve our precious marine resources,” Wissel says. “Education is so important, and raising public awareness can really make a difference. We have an obligation to create a more sustainable future for the next generation.”
A nonprofit organization, the mission of CCA Maryland is “to advise and educate the public on the conservation of our marine resources” and “to conserve, promote, and enhance the present and future availability of coastal resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the general public.” CCA Maryland consists of several chapters that serve as a forum for recreational anglers and volunteers who are interested in conservation.
As the co-founder and vice president of the Central Region Chapter, Wissel organizes meetings, schedules guest speakers, and helps launch local programs to raise awareness. Perhaps one of the chapter’s most successful achievements is the creation of the Living Reef Action Campaign (LRAC), which is regarded as “CCA Maryland’s flagship habitat, education, and outreach program.”
Established in 2015, LRAC offers in-class and hands-on learning experiences in area schools to teach students about the ecological benefits of oysters and the importance of habitat creation and restoration. The students build artificial reef components (called reef balls) that are deployed in the Bay and its tributaries. Not only is the program fun, but it also helps generate interest in the environment and foster stewardship.
“The Living Reef Action Campaign demonstrates how we can put life back into the Bay,” Wissel says. “A few months after deploying the first reef ball off Tilghman Island in 2016, new life and oyster growth could be seen. By applying the science and creating these living reefs, we are able to see a concept put into action from start to finish, and that is such a rewarding experience. It’s also great to see how excited the students are about the program.”
In addition to his hands-on volunteer work, Wissel also plays a business/administrative role for CCA Maryland. He serves as the chairman of the State’s Management Committee and as the vice chairman of the State’s Board of Directors.
“Mike is the kind of volunteer and leader that any grassroots organization would be proud to have in their ranks,” says David Sikorski, executive director of CCA Maryland. “He constantly keeps his eye on the end goal of any CCA Maryland effort and has been the driving force behind building and maintaining our Central Region Chapter. Mike’s attention to detail and follow through is second to none, and he constantly steps up to the plate to lead and motivate others. Furthermore, Mike’s family and community have always risen to the occasion to support his efforts, [which] shows the true value he brings to those around him.”
Like all organizations, CCA Maryland has had to adapt to meet the challenges presented by the COVID19 health crisis. The organization utilizes a virtual platform to conduct its events, including fundraisers, banquets, and raffles. Wissel says that interest in fishing has increased since the pandemic started, and CCA Maryland remains committed to its mission, which is even more important than ever during this difficult time.
Wissel, who works in financial services, lives in Carroll County with his wife, Kelly, and their three children, twins Lauren and Carter, 13, and Addison, 15. An avid angler, he feels lucky that CCA Maryland offers him the opportunity to combine two of his passions: conservation and fishing.
“Coastal Conservation Association Maryland is a great organization, and I love being a volunteer,” Wissel says. “The more I developed my interest in fishing, the more I became engaged in conservation. It’s so important to protect our marine resources, and CCA Maryland offers a way for recreational anglers to play a role in advancing conservation efforts. It’s truly a win-win situation for people who love fishing.”
For more information about Coastal Conservation Association Maryland, visit ccamd.org.
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