President George W. Bush signed an amendment to Executive Order 12962 which allows for the most significant extension of recreational fishing on federal lands and waters in the last 30 years. This revised order originally signed by Bill Clinton in 1995, ensures that recreational fisherman will have a place to pursue their pastime now and into the future.
President Bush’s order states that “?recreational fishing shall be managed as a sustainable activity in National Wildlife Refuges, National Parks, National Monuments, Marine Sanctuaries, Marine Protected Areas or any other relevant conservation or management area?..”
“We commend President Bush on his commitment to recreational fishing and the significant role it plays in the successful management of our country’s resources,” said IGFA president Rob Kramer. “Each year millions of dollars are generated from recreational fishing activities that go directly to support our nation’s fisheries and conservation efforts.”
The International Game Fish Association, along with its partners in the Center for Coastal Conservation which includes the American Sportfishing Association, the Coastal Conservation Association, the National Marine Manufacturers Association and The Billfish Foundation, have been working together on a unified front to strengthen access to recreational boating and fishing in federal waters. President Bush’s recent amendment is a direct result of those. The members of the CCC applaud this action by President Bush and hope that it is the start of a trend that will continue with the next administration.
Founded in 1939, the IGFA is a non-profit organized under Section 501(c)(3) under the Internal Revenue Code and is best known for conservation efforts of fisheries, educational programs, rule-making and for maintaining worldwide game fish records in freshwater, saltwater, fly fishing and junior angler categories. IGFA members are located in over 125 countries. The IGFA welcomes visitors to its 60,000-square-foot interactive Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Florida.
For further information, contact the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, 300 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach, Florida 33004; phone 954-927-2628, fax: 954-924-4299, website: www.igfa.org.
