Streams, creeks and rivers are essential to our ecosystem, sustaining fish and other aquatic life that are, in turn, food for larger fish, mammals, birds and people. The health of fish and other aquatic resources is a direct reflection of the health of the surrounding landscape. We appreciate and value those things we understand and respect. We care for those things that we feel a connection to. That's why anglers, hikers, bird watchers and other outdoor recreationalists are effective advocates for natural resources and promoting conservation efforts.
Recreational fishing has enormous social, cultural and economic importance.
For many people, fishing is often their first and sometimes only experience with the natural world. For the majority of people who don't live on waterfront property, fishing provides a way to interact with creeks, rivers and the Bay. Not only is fishing important culturally, it's also good for the economy. This national survey has been conducted at five-year intervals since 1955. From 1955 to 1996, the number of anglers has increased 138 percent.