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Threat of Marine Protected Areas Blocking Anglers Out of Prime Fishing Areas Lessened

Washington, DC - President George W. Bush has signed an amendment to the 1995 Executive Order on recreational fishing that ensures that federal agencies maintain recreational fishing on federal lands and waters, including marine protected areas.

"Our nation's sportsmen and women are among our foremost conservationists", confirmed President Bush. "I was pleased to amend Executive Order 12962 to recognize the value of recreational fishing as a sustainable activity in Federal waters."

"This is a major victory for sportsmen and we commend the President for this initiative ," declared Jeff Crane, president of theCongressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF). " CSF has been concerned that the spawn of Marine Protected Areas (MPA) will include no fishing provisions, thereby locking recreational anglers out of miles of prime fishing areas."

To combat this rising tide, CSF has been working with the American Sportfishing Association, the Coastal Conservation Association and Center, and the National Marine Manufacturers Association to inform and educate key decision makers of the of the societal and economic value of sport fishing and the threat to access posed by MPAs. CSF convened a June briefing with members of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, senior Administration officials and key sport fishing organizations to raise awareness over this issue and request that recreational angling be safeguarded as a beneficial and important activity.

Specifically, the amendment to President Clinton's Executive Order states "recreational fishing shall be managed as a sustainable activity in national wildlife refuges, national parks, national monuments, national marine sanctuaries, marine protected areas or any other relevant conservation or management area or activity made under any federal authority, consistent with applicable law."

The American model of fisheries management is funded through fishing license sales and excise taxes on fishing equipment and motorboat fuel. "Annually, anglers' and boaters' contribute nearly $900 million for conservation and recreation," Crane points out. "This amendment will help protect that investment and keep millions of acres open to sport fishing."

"We deeply appreciate the leadership President Bush has shown by his recognition of recreational fishing as an environmentally sustainable activity on federal lands and waters, including marine protected areas. This is a progressive declaration which will benefit millions of anglers today and in the future," stated Phil Morlock, director of environmental affairs for Shimano American Corporation. Shimano is the world's leading manufacturer of fishing tackle and has been actively engaged in the MPA issue.

MPAs with "no take" provisions have been identified as one of the greatest threats to recreational fishing and the tackle industry. "When anglers are denied access, they stop buying licenses and fishing tackle. The result is that less money is available to the states for fisheries management programs," noted Morlock.

About the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation
For nearly two decades, the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) has maintained a singleness of purpose that has guided the organization to become the most respected and trusted hunting and fishing organization in the political arena.

Headquartered in Washington, DC just steps from the U.S. Capitol, CSF's sole focus is providing access and a voice for sportsmen in the U.S. Congress, the Administration and federal land management agencies, as well as state legislatures across the country. With support from every major hunting and fishing organization and industry, CSF is the leader in promoting sportsmen's issues with elected officials.

Media Contact:
Melinda Gable (202) 302-4794