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. 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.
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.