NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco has committed to take a fresh look at NOAA’s relationship with the angling community. “Saltwater recreational fishing is among the most popular outdoor sports in America with anglers representing one of NOAA’s largest organized constituencies. Not only are anglers stewards of our ocean, they contribute greatly to the economic vitality of our coastal communities,” said Lubchenco. “For these reasons, I believe it is in NOAA’s best interests to adopt polices and practices that will protect ocean ecosystems and ensure one of America’s most treasured pastimes endures for future generations.”
As a first step, Dr. Lubchenco will create a new position of senior policy advisor for recreational fishing that will report directly to the assistant administrator for NOAA Fisheries and be charged with addressing the interests of the recreational community. A recreational fishing summit will provide a forum to identify issues of concern and possible solutions. This national meeting will be followed by a series of joint problem-solving roundtables to identify roadblocks to an improved relationship and to design reasonable solutions. NOAA’s Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee will be asked to organize and provide authoritative and comprehensive national policy advice from marine recreational stakeholders.
For more information, contact NOAA Communications and Legislative Affairs at 202-482-4640.
source: NOAA Fish News