The Berkley Conservation Institute (BCI) announces its full endorsement of a landmark report written by the Morris-Deal Commission on Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Management. The report, "A Vision for Managing America's Saltwater Recreational Fisheries," addresses the most important recreational fisheries management issues currently faced for the future of saltwater angling.
"This report was developed by a committee of highly respected biologists, economists, conservationists, fisheries managers and policy makers," said Jim Martin, BCI Conservation Director, of the report, which was introduced at the 2014 Miami Boat Show. "Their insight will provide direction to Congress as they debate these most sensitive concepts. We fully support and endorse their findings and trust our elected officials will make wise decisions on reauthorizing the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and other related subjects."
"Anglers contribute nearly $1.0 billion annually to fund fisheries conservation," said John Doerr, CEO of Pure Fishing. "It is imperative that the future of all our aquatic recreational sports, both in saltwater and freshwater, be protected and enhanced. This report outlines a national policy for recreational fishing that we know will benefit all of us now and for the generations that follow. We appreciate all the hard work and efforts of the American Sportfishing Association and this committee and we congratulate Johnny Morris of Bass Pro Shops and Scott Deal of Mavrick Boats for their leadership of the Commission."