Ethical Angling
NOAA Fisheries Service adopted a "Code of Angling Ethics" to implement the public education strategy required under the NOAA Fisheries Service Recreational Fishery Resources Conservation Plan. The code, developed in cooperation with a wide range of constituent groups was approved on February 11, 1999, and published in the Federal Register on February 18, 1999. The idea behind the code is to reinforce the concepts of good resource stewardship and conservation practices. The code promotes such things as releasing, unharmed, fish you do not plan to eat, following fishing and boating regulations, and fighting pollution and habitat destruction. The approved code is a strong step by the Agency to foster sound resource management attitudes and actions with our constituents.
Code of Angling Ethics
The Ethical Angler:
- Promotes, through education and practice, ethical behavior in the use of aquatic resources.
- Values and respects the aquatic environment and all living things in it.
- Avoids spilling, and never dumps, any pollutants, such as gasoline and oil, into the aquatic environment.
- Disposes of all trash, including worn-out lines, leaders, and hooks, in appropriate containers, and helps to keep fishing sites litter-free.
- Takes all precautionary measures necessary to prevent the spread of exotic plants and animals, including live baitfish, into non-native habitats.
- Learns and obeys angling and boating regulations, and treats other anglers, boaters, and property owners with courtesy and respect.
- Respects property rights, and never trespasses on private lands or waters.
- Keeps no more fish than needed for consumption, and never wastefully discards fish that are retained.
- Practices conservation by carefully handling and releasing alive all fish that are unwanted or prohibited by regulation, as well as other animals that may become hooked or entangled accidentally.
- Uses tackle and techniques which minimize harm to fish when engaging in "catch and release" angling.
