SPECIAL REPORT
        Recreational Fishery
        Resources Conservation Plan

        Reprinted Courtesy Fishing Tackle Trade News

        On the future of sportfishing, the federal government now clearly agrees with us. Here is our opportunity to take part in improving our resources, our businesses and our way of life.

        On Monday, June 3, 1996, Interior Secretary Babbitt, Commerce Secretary Kantor, and Agriculture Secretary Glickman personally joined with the sportfishing community at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. They came to deliver their Recreational Fishery Resources Conservation Plan.

        What is the Plan?

        It is a shared vision for the future: "All waters of the United States will be capable of sustaining healthy fish populations, and all Americans will have access to and opportunity for a diverse array of quality recreational fishing experiences."

        The vision and Plan for accomplishing the mission was also signed by Secretary of Energy O�Leary, Secretary of Transportation Pena, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense Goodman, and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Browner.

        This is an important endorsement and plan for the future of sportfishing and aquatic resource conservation for the country.

        Now we have to help the agencies and employees of the federal government deliver on the vision. At no time has the federal government opened its doors to our industry as they have now done through the Conservation Plan. At no time has the individual business owner had a better opportunity to deliver improved fishing for today�s and tomorrow's angler.

        The key to success will be that we gladly accepted the invitation and that we walked through the door. We took the time to get involved. We made it clear we understand what the Conservation Plan requires. We expressed our positions on business-related opportunities through healthy fisheries, and we offered our support and assistance in making good things happen. Get involved in partnership with the federal agencies. Help make it happen�your future depends on it.�Norville Prosser, vice president, American Sportfishing Association

        Preamble:

        More than a century and a quarter has passed since this nation began formal attempts to conserve and sustain its valuable fishery resources. In that time, impressive strides in fishery science, habitat management, and the enactment of protective laws have combined to provide managers the tools to conserve recreational fisheries. Despite these advances, progress in aquatic conservation frequently has been outpaced by a growing society�s accelerating demands upon its lands and waters. While some recreational fisheries have been conserved, others have been changed drastically or lost forever.

        Successful fishery conservation in the United States has depended upon the significant contributions of recreational anglers. No significant and lasting conservation effort has succeeded without the vocal and financial support of the fishing public. Truly, the angler has been and continues to be a primary catalyst in aquatic resource conservation.

        		As we enter a new century, Federal and State resource management agencies and resource stakeholders, including willing Tribes, must work together toward a shared vision of a future where:

        All waters of the United States will be capable of sustaining healthy fish populations, and all Americans will have access to and opportunity for a diverse array of quality recreational fishing experiences.

        This Recreational Fishery Resources Conservation Plan (Conservation Plan) is developed in response to Executive Order 12962 of 1995 and provides the basis for the Federal contribution to this vision. The Conservation Plan identifies Federal contributions to improve water quality, habitats, fishery population management, access, education and outreach, and partnerships. The Conservation Plan recognizes that Federal agencies have individual and, in some cases, shared responsibilities for the conservation of all aquatic resources, including those listed as threatened and endangered. Nothing in this Conservation Plan alters these existing authorities and responsibilities.

        Importance of Recreational Fisheries

        Recreational fishing provides significant social, cultural, and economic benefits to American society, and is the second most popular form of outdoor recreation in the United States (with swimming being first). Recreational fishing is enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life. Particularly for children, fishing provides an introduction to the environment and an opportunity to develop an appreciation for natural resource conservation. The National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife Associated Recreation, conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of the Census in 1991, estimates that fishing is enjoyed by nearly 50 million Americans.

        Recreational fishing contributes significantly to the nation�s economy. The 1991 National Survey estimates anglers spent $24 billion on tackle, equipment, food, lodging, and other goods and services related to fishing. The Department of Commerce estimates that these expenditures provided jobs for 1.3 million people and generated $2.1 billion in Federal income tax revenue.