[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