Pennsylvania Reduces Price of Fishing Licenses for 2015 Season

For the first time in its history, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will reduce the price of annual fishing licenses next season, a promotional move agency leaders say is intended to highlight the sport’s affordability to families and younger audiences and to persuade lapsed anglers to return.

 

Beginning Dec. 1, prices will be reduced by $1, or approximately 5 percent, for resident and non-resident annual licenses purchased throughout the year. Anglers who buy 3-year and 5-year licenses will see a reduction of $3 and $5, accordingly, if they buy the license during the month of December. The discounts also apply to gift vouchers for annual licenses purchased throughout the year and to gift vouchers for multi-year licenses purchased in December.

 

“We believe the price cut will catch the attention of many people who haven’t fished in a few years, or who have wanted to try fishing, but mistakenly have thought that prices have increased like they have for other products and activities,” PFBC Executive Director John Arway said at the agency’s quarterly business meeting held yesterday and today.

 

“The fact is, the price of a fishing license hasn’t increased in nearly a decade, since 2005,” he said. “Fishing has always been an affordable and fun family activity that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. If we can capture the attention of potential new and returning anglers, we know they’ll be surprised at how inexpensive it is to fish and how easy it is to enjoy the sport.”

 

The PFBC sells approximately 850,000 licenses annually, but survey research from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2011 national survey estimated that 1.1 million people ages 16 and older either fished in the Commonwealth in 2010 or planned to fish in the state in 2011.

 

“This 250,000 gap and the anglers who do not purchase a license every consecutive year represent a segment of potential customers who may better recognize the value of a license at a discounted rate,” added Board President Norm Gavlick, who represents the northeast district. “At the same time, the discount should be a pleasant gift to current anglers when they buy their license for the next season, especially the discounts for the multi-year licenses over the holiday season.”

 

With the discount, the price of a resident annual license will be just $21.70; non-resident annual $51.70; 3-year resident $61.70; 3-year non-resident $151.70; 5-year resident $101.70; and 5-year non-resident $251.70. Trout/salmon permits, Lake Erie permits and combo permits are not included in the price reduction.

 

President Gavlick said he is especially excited about the savings customers can enjoy on multi-year licenses and vouchers during the month of December.

 

“We will actively promote the multi-year discount during the holiday season as the perfect gift for former and would-be anglers on everyone’s shopping lists,” he said. “Individuals can purchase a gift voucher equal to the value of a three or five-year license, and the recipient may then redeem it at his or her convenience.” Vouchers may be redeemed anytime during the year.

 

Warm Atlantic Ocean Waters Could Increase Expansion of Invasive Tropical Species

Lionfish.  Photo credit:  Kristy Owen, NEFSC/NOAA

Scientists studying the roles of temperature and depth in structuring fish communities along the North Carolina continental shelf have found that as ocean waters warm, tropical fish species―including the invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans) ―could expand into new areas that cold winter temperatures formerly rendered inhospitable.

Researchers from NOAA and the University of North Carolina, Wilmington analyzed year-round bottom water temperature data associated with fish community surveys in water depths from 15 to 150 feet off the coast of North Carolina. The scientists found that the fish community in deeper areas was mainly tropical, dominated by lionfish in depths between 122 to 150 feet, suggesting temperature is a key factor in affecting the distribution of this species.


Oceanographer Jon Hare, chief of the Oceanography Branch at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) and director of the Center’s Narragansett Laboratory in Rhode Island, was one of the study’s authors.

In 2000, Hare was involved in the initial research on the lionfish invasion into North Carolina waters. He worked at NOAA’s Beaufort Laboratory for 10 years, and since moving to the Northeast Fisheries Science Center has continued to follow the invasion and the possibility of lionfish spreading into the Northeast.
In their study, researchers looked at 40 native fish species found along rocky and artificial reefs off North Carolina. The findings were reported in the September 2014 issue of Marine Ecology Progress Series.
Related links:

• NOAA,UNC-Wilmington study finds warming Atlantic ocean temperature could increase expansion of invasive, native species
• The Lionfish Invasion
• North Atlantic Fish Populations Shifting as Ocean Temperatures Warm
• Scientists Link Climate Change and Atlantic Croaker Fishery
• Potential Impacts of Climate Change on the Biota of the U.S. Northeast Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem

Bitterroot Valley single-fly event will raise money for national breast cancer fishing program

Cast One for Hope brings anglers together for fly fishing and fundraising

Manchester, VT—September 16, 2014 — Casting for Recovery , a non-profit organization offering support and educational fly fishing retreats for women with breast cancer is excited to announce the second annual Cast One for Hope event that will be held October 3 and 4 in Hamilton, MT. This year’s events will include music, a single-fly fishing event with prizes, a celebration dinner and live and silent auctions with the goal of raising more than $50,000 for Casting for Recovery programs across the country.

 

“Last year we had such an amazing turnout that we decided to add more elements to the event lineup this year,” says executive director Whitney Milhoan. “This event is a wonderful way for people to experience an unforgettable day of guided fly fishing while supporting a great cause. We get people out on the beautiful Bitterroot River in the fall to raise money to offer the same experience to women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.”

This year’s events include a kickoff party with music on Friday, October 3, from 6 - 9pm at Pineview Lodge and the main action taking place on Saturday, October 4 with the single-fly fishing event and a celebration dinner and auction at the exclusive Stock Farm Club  in the evening.  

Each event participant will choose a single fly to use for the day. If that fly becomes lost or unusable, the contestant is out of the running for “longest-lasting fly,” but can still continue fishing for fun to win additional prizes. There will be multiple categories that will be awarded prizes for event participants.

Registration is open to the public and there are still spots available at $1,000 per person which includes a full-day guided drift including lunch, an exclusive celebration dinner at the Stock Farm Club, awards, and a ticket to the kickoff party on Friday night.

This year’s auction items will be open to the public for bidding on September 25, 2014 at 8:00am. You can preview the items that will be up for auction here. Items include a bonefishing trip to Black Fly Lodge, fly rods from Sage, Tycoon Tackle and Orvis, framed prints by AD Maddox and much more with all proceeds benefitting women with breast cancer.

Additionally, special guest Mariko Izumi  will be in attendance and taping the event for an episode for the World Fishing Journal  which she will host. In addition to Izumi, anglers from different companies will be competing against each other to see who comes out on top with the longest-lasting fly. Teams from Temple Fork Outfitters, Black Fly Lodge, Costa, Simms, American Fly Fishing Trade Association and Sisters on the Fly will battle it out on the water on October 4, 2014.

“World Fishing Network is proud to support Casting for Recovery and aid in their mission to provide an opportunity for women whose lives have been profoundly affected by breast cancer,” says World Fishing Network’s vice president of marketing Pam Stinson. “For women to be able gather in a natural setting and learn the sport of fly fishing in a caring, supportive environment – what an incredible experience.”

This year’s event is being sponsored by World Fishing Network , Temple Fork Outfitter Rods , American Fly Fishing Trade Association , Maven Fly , Cheeky Fly Fishing , Lolo Peak Brewing , Scientific Anglers  and Mountain Khakis .

To learn more about the Cast One for Hope event and to register please visit: www.castoneforhope.org . For sponsorship opportunities please contact Margot Page at events@castingforrecovery.org .

Casting for Recovery® (CfR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1996 by two women -- a breast reconstructive surgeon and a professional fly fisher.  CfR’s unique program combines breast cancer education and peer support with the therapeutic sport of fly fishing. The retreats offer opportunities for women to find inspiration, discover renewed energy for life and experience healing connections with other women and nature. CfR’s retreats are open to breast cancer survivors of all ages, in all stages of treatment and recovery, and are free to participants.  

CastingforRecovery.org

www.facebook.com/castingforrecovery

Governor Cuomo Signs Bill Aiding in Fight Against Aquatic Invasive Species

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation prohibiting the launch of watercraft in New York State without taking reasonable precautions to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. The bill (A9619-B, S7851-B) advances current efforts by the State and private organizations to halt the introduction and spread of invasive aquatic species into New York’s waters.

“The natural beauty that is found in every corner of New York is second to none, and it is imperative that we do everything possible to protect that from the dangers of invasive species,” Governor Cuomo said. “We all share a responsibility to protect our natural environment, and this legislation helps ensure that all who enjoy New York’s waters will also do their part to limit the spread of different types of aquatic life that would otherwise harm the local ecosystem.”

The legislation signed by Governor Cuomo makes it the responsibility of boaters launching watercraft to use common sense when putting in and taking out their boats. Before transportation or launch, the boater should first clean, drain and dry the boat, trailer, and any other exposed equipment of visible plant and animal matter, or have taken other reasonable measures to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. This will help prevent the spread between waterbodies and introduction of invasive species in new waterbodies throughout New York.

Invasive species are a threat because they have few natural predators in their new environment and can carry harmful diseases. Ultimately, invasives can outcompete native plants and animals and change entire ecosystems. Aquatic invasive species are one of the greatest threats to the State's treasured waterways because once introduced, they are nearly impossible to eradicate and expensive to manage.

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, aquatic invasive species seriously threaten economically important industries, such as tourism and fishing. Invasive species cost the U.S. economy an estimated $120 billion per year, and while the State has implemented various programs designed to control the spread of aquatic invasives, it is far more cost-effective to prevent them altogether.

Senator Tom O'Mara said, “Individual boaters are the front line of defense against the spread of invasive species, and this new initiative offers a straightforward approach asking all boaters to do our part to help protect waterways, regional tourism economies and local jobs. Taking every possible step to stop the spread of destructive invasive species before they take hold is the most cost-effective and common-sense approach to combat this severe threat to the environment and economy of the Finger Lakes and other waterways statewide."

Assemblymember Barbara Lifton said, “I am very pleased and appreciate the governor signing into law this important piece of legislation. This is a promising new day in our battle against aquatic invasive species that threaten our high-quality water resources and the recreational and economic benefits they provide,”

Stuart F. Gruskin, Chief Conservation and External Affairs Officer for The Nature Conservancy in New York, said, "The Nature Conservancy commends Governor Cuomo for signing this important legislation, which will reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species that harm human, economic and environmental health. Each year, invasive species cost our communities millions of dollars. By taking simple and common sense measures to clean, drain and dry our boats we can reduce the spread of these harmful species and protect our fishing, tourism and other water-dependent industries. We appreciate Governor Cuomo's commitment to prevent the spread of invasive species and applaud the bill sponsors Senator Thomas O'Mara and Assemblymember Barbara Lifton for their leadership on this issue in the Legislature."

Governor Cuomo’s signing of the bill today complements a broad approach by State agencies to combat the spread of invasive species in New York’s waters. The Department of Environmental Conversation this summer adopted regulations similar to this bill that prohibits boats from launching or leaving water access sites on Department of Environmental Conversation land without first taking these precautions. The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation this summer published proposed regulations that would place similar requirements on watercraft using State Parks. Several local municipalities and organizations in the State have already adopted local laws to address the spread of aquatic invasive species, including boat inspection and washing requirements. In 2014, the State adopted the first ever mandatory invasive species inspection programs at all boat launches on Lake George.

New York State has invested millions of dollars in response, mitigation and prevention programs to rid the environment of invasive species on water and land. In July, Governor Cuomo announced the State’s first-ever Invasive Species Awareness Week [2] to teach New Yorkers and visitors about the threat that these pests pose to our environment. More information about the State’s efforts to control and rid the environment of invasive species can be found here.

New York's 2013-14 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Extend Thru March 31, 2015

New Regulations Will Become Effective April 1, 2015

The current (2013-14) freshwater fishing regulations will extend thru March 31, 2015, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens announced today. New freshwater fishing regulations will take effect April 1, 2015 and a new regulations guide will be available from all license sale vendors at that time.

"This change was made based upon the change to the effective dates of our freshwater fishing licenses," said Commissioner Martens. "In the past, fishing licenses, like our hunting licenses were effective October 1 thru September 30. Fishing licenses are now effective 365 days from the date of purchase and it made sense to adjust the effective dates of our fishing regulations to coincide with the April 1 opener of the statewide trout season which is our traditional kickoff to the freshwater fishing season."

Anglers should continue to refer to the 2013-14 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide for the fishing regulations in effect through March 31, 2015. The Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide is available from all license issuing agents, DEC regional offices and on DEC's website. The current regulations are also available on the new free New York Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife mobile app. Developed by DEC in partnership with Parks by Nature the app is available for iPhone and Android devices; users can download it for free in the iTunes App Store and the Android Market. The proposed new regulations will be available for public review and comment beginning in mid-September on DEC's website.

Anglers are also reminded that combination licenses are no longer available. If a person desires to fish in New York State, they must purchase a separate fishing license. Anglers should also be aware of the expiration date of their current fishing license, since expiration dates now vary depending upon when the license was purchased.

The NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative is an effort to improve recreational opportunities for sportsmen and women and to boost tourism activities throughout the state. This initiative includes streamlining fishing and hunting licenses, reducing license fees, improving access for fishing and increasing hunting opportunities in New York State
.
In support of this initiative, this year's budget includes $6 million in NY Works funding to support creating 50 new land and water access projects to connect hunters, anglers, bird watchers and others who enjoy the outdoors to more than 380,000 acres of existing state and easement lands that have not reached their full potential. These 50 new access projects include building new boat launches, installing new hunting blinds and building new trails and parking areas. In addition, the 2014-15 budget includes $4 million to repair the state's fish hatcheries; and renews and allows expanded use of crossbows for hunting in New York State.

This year's budget also reduces short-term fishing licenses fees; increases the number of authorized statewide free fishing days to eight from two; authorizes DEC to offer 10 days of promotional prices for hunting, fishing and trapping licenses; and authorizes free Adventure Plates for new lifetime license holders, discounted Adventure Plates for existing lifetime license holders and regular fee Adventure Plates for annual license holders.

Dumping Sewage from Boats into Lake Erie Finally Banned

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation have declared the New York side of the Lake Erie shore line a “no discharge zone,” which means that boats are completely banned from discharging sewage into the water. The EPA reviewed the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s proposal to establish a no discharge zone for the lake and determined that there are adequate facilities in the area for boats to pump out their sewage. Boaters must now dispose of their sewage at one of the lake’s specially-designated pump-out stations. This action is part of a joint EPA and New York State strategy to eliminate the discharge of sewage from boats into the state’s waterways.

The no discharge zone for the New York State portion of Lake Erie is a 593 square mile area and 84 miles that includes the waters of the lake from the Pennsylvania-New York State boundary, as well as the Upper Niagara River and numerous other tributaries, harbors and bays of the Lake, including Barcelona Harbor, Dunkirk Harbor and the Buffalo Outer Harbor. Lake Erie and its harbors, bays, creeks and wetlands support fish spawning areas and habitat, commercial and recreational boating, and recreational opportunities.

A “no-discharge zone” means that boats are prohibited from discharging sewage into the water. Boaters must instead dispose of their sewage at specially-designated pump-out stations. Discharges of sewage from boats can contain harmful levels of pathogens and chemicals such as formaldehyde, phenols and chlorine, which have a negative impact on water quality, pose a risk to people’s health and drinking water as well as damage aquatic life.

“Clean water is one of New York’s most valuable assets, and pumping sewage from boats into local waters is a practice that is both harmful and completely unnecessary,” said EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. “Creating a no discharge zone for the New York portions of Lake Erie is an important step in protecting this amazing lake.”

DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said, “Lake Erie represents a tremendous natural and recreational resource for New Yorkers. It is a major public water supply, providing drinking water for a large portion of Western New York, so it is imperative for recreational boaters to do their part to help keep Lake Erie clean from biological contaminants.  The no discharge zone is our effort to help sustain water quality for drinking as well as recreational use.” 

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation petitioned the EPA in July 2012. The EPA initially made a determination in December 2012 that adequate sewage pump out facilities exist and that the state’s proposal to designate areas of Lake Erie as a “no discharge zone” can go forward. The EPA received significant comments questioning the availability of sewage pump-out facilities, particularly for larger vessels, and the EPA conferred with New York State to gather more information. That information gathering was completed and in September of 2013 the EPA re-proposed its determination that there are adequate facilities. The EPA has now finalized its decision, which went into effect on June 20, 2014.

For more information about no discharge zones, visit http://epa.gov/region02/water/ndz/index.html.

To read EPA’s final determination or for more information about no discharge zones, go to http://www.epa.gov/region02/water/ndz/index.html.

New State Regulations Target Aquatic Invasive Species

Boaters Using DEC Lands to Launch Boats or Other Watercraft Are Now Required to Clean and Drain Boats Prior to Launch

As part of an aggressive effort to prevent invasive species from entering and damaging New York water bodies, the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today adopted new regulations that require boaters to remove all visible plant and animal materials from boats, trailers and associated equipment, and to drain boats prior to launching from DEC lands.

The regulations, which are effective today, pertain to all DEC boat launches, fishing access sites and other DEC lands where watercraft such as boats, kayak or canoes, can be launched into the water.

"New York State continues to work with its state, local, federal and environmental partners to protect water bodies from destructive invasive species," DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said. "Boats, trailers and associated equipment are common pathways for spreading aquatic invasive species. These new regulations will help reinforce the message that boaters need to clean their equipment of any clinging plant and animal materials and drain their boats prior to launching at lands administered by DEC."

Boaters should take the following steps to ensure that their boat, trailer and equipment are free of aquatic invasive species:

• Visually inspect the boat, trailer and other fishing and boating equipment and remove all mud, plants and other organisms that might be clinging to it. Materials should be disposed of in one of the Nuisance Invasive Species Disposal Stations installed at many DEC boat launches, in the trash or at an upland location away from the launch ramp.
• Drain the boat's bilge and any other water holding compartments such as live wells, bait wells and bilge tanks. This does not apply to water associated with sanitary systems or drinking water supplies.

Drying boats is also highly recommended but is not required under the new regulations. Boaters who are unable to dry their boats between uses should flush the bilge and other water holding compartments with water, preferably at a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Microscopic larval forms of aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels and spiny waterflea, can live in as much as a drop of water. To ensure that these organisms are not accidentally spread, anything holding water should be dried, flushed or disinfected with hot water to ensure that these aquatic invasive species are not spread. Additional information on AIS and disinfection recommendations can be found on the DEC website.

The new regulations are available on the DEC website.

Boaters intending to boat on Lake George this year are also reminded that the Lake George Park Commission has enacted new regulations that require all boats to be inspected for aquatic invasive species prior to use. Additional information on this new mandatory boat inspection program can be found on the Lake George Boat Inspection site (which can be found in the right hand column of this page).

 

NY DEC Seeks Volunteers and Local Coordinators for Stream and River Monitoring

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is actively recruiting citizen scientists to conduct water quality assessments in Lake Ontario and the Niagara, Genesee, Delaware, Hudson and Mohawk River watersheds as part of the Water Assessments by Volunteer Evaluators (WAVE) project, DEC announced today.

While DEC regularly receives data and information from the public to consider in its water quality assessments, the WAVE Program provides information about how to collect data most useful to the agency. WAVE data is used to augment the work of the DEC Stream Biomonitoring Unit, which samples streams and rivers across the state to create an inventory of stream water quality.

"Responsible environmental stewardship starts with everyday residents who have an interest in protecting and conserving natural resources we all rely on," said DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. "I invite volunteers to register for this worthwhile training to work alongside DEC professionals to identify water quality concerns."

Citizen scientists provide DEC with valuable information to assist in identifying healthy stream sites and flagging sites that potentially have water quality concerns. This data is included in federal and state water quality reports and helps to target professional assessments and local restoration and conservation efforts to where they are most needed.

This year, citizen scientists can participate in the WAVE project in one of two ways: citizen scientists can join a local WAVE group lead by a trained local coordinator or they can sample independently. For the first time, DEC is offering training sessions for local coordinators so that they may train and coordinate their own team of WAVE participants. Citizen scientists working under a trained local coordinator do not need to attend a WAVE training session. Citizen scientists who wish to work independently must attend a WAVE training session.

Citizen monitors will visit stream sites once per year, anytime between July and September, and collect macroinvertebrates - insects and other small organisms - from the rocks and rubble on the stream bottom. If six or more of the "Most Wanted" organisms are found, the stream segment is assessed as having no known impacts and fully supporting aquatic life. If mostly "Least Wanted" organisms are found, then the stream segment will be flagged for possible investigation by professionals.

The WAVE training sessions are rotated throughout the state's 17 major drainage basins on a five-year schedule, targeting those basins that will be sampled by the DEC Stream Biomonitoring Unit in the following year (see the professional monitoring schedule). This year, DEC is offering WAVE training sessions in the Niagara River, Lake Ontario and Mohawk River basins.

Local Coordinator and basic WAVE training sessions are scheduled for May and June at locations in the following counties:

• Schenectady County, Alplaus, (May 17)
• Wayne County, Huron, (May 23)
• Jefferson County, Ellisburg, (May 24)
• Erie County, West Seneca, (May 31)
• Chautauqua County, Village of Westfield, (June 1)
• Schoharie County, Esperance, (June 14)
• Wyoming County, Wyoming, (June 21)
• Oneida County, New Hartford, (June 29)

For more information, or to register for a training session, visit DEC's website.

NOAA Fisheries Commits to Developing a National Recreational Fishing Policy

Spurred on by the sportfishing and boating community, the new policy
will better integrate recreational fishing into NOAA Fisheries' mission

 

An announcement by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that NOAA Fisheries will develop a national recreational fishing policy was greeted enthusiastically by sportfishing and boating leaders, who have urged the agency to adopt exactly this approach to define and coordinate efforts throughout the federal government, and particularly the National Marine Fisheries Service, to advance saltwater recreational fishing.

NOAA Fisheries' announcement capped off its national Saltwater Recreational Fishing Summit held April 1-2, in Alexandria, Va. Leaders from the saltwater recreational fishing and boating community met with NOAA Fisheries' leadership to assess recent progress, identify goals and strengthen ties between NOAA and stakeholder groups.

"With the 'Vision for Managing America's Saltwater Recreational Fisheries' report as our guiding document, we came to the NOAA Summit with a clear vision for where saltwater recreational fisheries management must go," said American Sportfishing Association President and CEO Mike Nussman. "NOAA is clearly listening, as evidenced by their immediate commitment to accomplish the first goal of the report: to establish a national policy for saltwater recreational fisheries management. We're looking forward to working with NOAA to accomplish this goal, as well as the other key recommendations presented in the report."

The announcement comes on the heels of a recent series of meetings on Capitol Hill during which the Commission on Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Management, co-chaired by Johnny Morris, founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, and Scott Deal, president of Maverick Boats, presented recommendations from "A Vision for Managing America's Saltwater Recreational Fisheries." This new report outlines recreational fisheries management issues that need to be addressed in the congressional reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act, the law that governs the nation's marine resources. Chief among those recommendations is the establishment of a national policy for recreational saltwater fishing.

"In order for our nation to understand and embrace the positive aspects of recreational saltwater fishing in this country - be they the economic, cultural or quality-of-life benefits - our fisheries managers need to have policies and laws that reflect recreational interests," said Deal. "NOAA has demonstrated it is ready to develop those policies."

The commission, composed of anglers, scientists, former agency administrators, conservationists and economists, as well as prominent members of the industry, wants to ensure that saltwater recreational fishing becomes a priority of NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service. In 2011, approximately 11 million Americans saltwater fished recreationally, making them one of NOAA's largest organized constituencies and one with a substantial economic impact.

"America's 11 million saltwater recreational anglers spent $27 billion in 2011, generating more than $70 billion and sustaining 450,000 jobs," said Whit Fosburgh, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. "The importance of this economic sector - and its contributions to fisheries habitat and conservation via excise taxes, donations and license fees - cannot be ignored. We commend NOAA Fisheries for acknowledging it."

Contributors to the work of the commission include the American Sportfishing Association, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Berkley Conservation Institute, Center for Coastal Conservation, Coastal Conservation Association, Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, International Game Fish Association, National Marine Manufacturers Association, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and The Billfish Foundation, as well as Bass Pro Shops and Maverick Boats 

FOR TWITTER - Use #MarineVison2014 to comment on this landmark report.

Read "A Vision for Managing America's Saltwater Recreational Fisheries."

Read the TRCP 2014 Conservation Policy Agenda.

One Fish Photo Could Make You a Big Winner

There’s a lot to pack before you head out for the spring fishing season. Just don’t forget the camera to take shots of your catch to submit to the BoatUS Angler “Catch of the Month” photo contest at BoatUS.com/angler/contest, which kicks off today and runs monthly through October 31, 2014.

Courtney Bacco of Orlando, Florida, won a bass mount in last year’s BoatUS Angler photo contest

Monthly winners, one freshwater and one saltwater, will receive a one-year basic BoatUS Angler membership which includes $50 on the road and $50 on the water towing, a $50 Visa gift card and a “prize pack” filled with fishing and BoatUS Angler gear. In addition, winning photos will appear in BoatUS Angler Magazine and Tacklebox fishing e-newsletter.

Monthly winners will be automatically entered to win the grand prize in November: an upgrade of their BoatUS Angler membership to include Unlimited on water towing and on road towing assistance from Trailer Assist, a high-quality fish replica of their winning catch from FishReplicas.com and a $50 gift certificate from BoatNameGear.

Trailer Assist, BoatUS Angler’s roadside assistance service for boat trailers and tow vehicles and the BoatUS on water towing service helps anglers spend more time fishing and less time worrying about breakdowns. Anglers can also check out all of the photos submitted at BoatUS.com/angler/contest.

About the Sponsors:
FishReplicas.com offers the highest quality in fish replicas today. By combining 40 years of molding experience and today's technology, the Pierce Brothers and crew are able to create the most life-like fish replicas money can buy. BoatUS members save 10% on replicas of their favorite catch.

BoatNameGear offers a unique, hand-picked selection of high-quality personalized gifts, clothing and gear.

BoatUS members enjoy a 10% discount on all products plus free shipping on all orders of $99 or more.