Just what those specific concerns are or will be has yet to be determined. UWA grew out of comments by Mike Staggs, director of the Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Fisheries, who said anglers wanted more input on issues affecting fisheries. Staggs asked UW-Extension to provide education and outreach support. UWA was formed in March 1999 and has been slowly gathering members and momentum. Its future might be decided early next year when officers are scheduled to be named and an agenda developed.
Good habitat is the key to a healthy fishery.
Provide opportunities for more people to become involved in fishing. The value of fisheries management should be promoted based on good science and should include angler ethics, economic value of recreational fishing and the previous four themes. She said there has been interest expressed in legislation affecting the operation of cranberry farms, control of ballast water in Great Lakes cargo ships, federal funding of state conservation efforts and limitations on mercury emissions. It will be looking at issues that impact across all species. The idea is that UWA, because it gives a unified voice to thousands of anglers throughout the state, will be able to speak with clout.