[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 192 (Monday, October 5, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53353-53354]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-26627]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[I.D. 090198A]
Recreational Fishing; Code of Angling Ethics
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of proposed code of angling ethics.
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SUMMARY: NMFS is seeking public comment on a proposed Code of Angling
Ethics. The adoption of this Code of Angling Ethics would implement the
public education strategy required under the NMFS-specific Recreational
Fishery Resources Conservation Plan.
DATES: Comments must be received by November 19, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Comments on the proposed Code of Angling Ethics should be
sent to Richard H. Schaefer; Office of Intergovernmental and
Recreational Fisheries; 8484 Georgia Avenue, Suite 425; Silver Spring,
Maryland 20910-3282.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard H. Schaefer, 301-427-2014.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 7, 1995, the President signed
Executive Order 12962 (EO) - Recreational Fisheries. The EO recognized
the social, cultural, and economic importance of recreational fishing
to the nation and directed Federal agencies to ``improve the quantity,
function, sustainable productivity, and distribution of U.S. aquatic
resources for increased recreational fishing opportunities.'' Further,
the EO established the National Recreational Fisheries Coordination
Council (NRFCC) consisting of Secretarial designees from the
Departments of Commerce, Interior, Agriculture, Defense, Energy, and
Transportation, and the Environmental Protection Agency. The NRFCC was
directed under the EO to produce a Recreational Fishery Resources
Conservation Plan (National Plan). The National Plan, completed June 3,
1996, directed each Federal agency to develop an agency-specific
implementation plan that identifies actions necessary to meet the goals
and objectives of the National Plan. The NMFS-specific Recreational
Fishery Resources Conservation Plan, unveiled December 31, 1996,
dictates four Implementation Strategies as policy to achieve the goals
of the National Plan. Implementation Strategy III, Public Education,
states that NMFS will support, develop, and implement programs designed
to enhance public awareness and understanding of marine conservation
issues relevant to the well-being of marine recreational fishing. One
output listed under this Implementation Strategy is ``NMFS will
develop, promote and distribute a 'Code of Conduct for Recreational
Fishing.'''
The following Code of Angling Ethics is proposed for adoption by
NMFS:
THE CODE OF ANGLING ETHICS
1. Promotes, through education and practice, ethical behavior in
the use of aquatic resources.
2. Values and respects the aquatic environment and all living
things in it.
3. Avoids spilling, and never dumps, any pollutants, such as
gasoline and oil, into the aquatic environment.
4. Disposes of all trash, including worn-out lines, leaders, and
hooks, in appropriate containers, and helps to keep fishing sites
litter-free.
5. Takes all precautionary measures necessary to prevent the spread
of exotic plants and animals, including live baitfish, into non-native
habitats.
6. Learns and obeys angling and boating regulations, and treats
other anglers, boaters, and property owners with courtesy and respect.
7. Respects property rights, and never trespasses on private lands
or waters.
8. Keeps no more fish than needed for consumption, and never
wastefully discards fish that are retained.
9. Practices conservation by carefully handling and releasing alive
all fish that
[[Page 53354]]
are unwanted or prohibited by regulation, as well as other animals that
may become hooked or entangled accidentally.
10. Uses tackle and techniques which minimize harm to fish when
engaging in ``catch and release'' angling.
Dated: September 29, 1998.
Bruce C. Moehead,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 98-26627 Filed 10-2-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F
