MARYLAND SALTWATER SPORTFISHERMAN'S ASSOCIATION JOINS NOAA FISHERIES ETHICAL ANGLER® PARTNERSHIP

The Maryland Saltwater Sportfisherman's Association (MSSA) became the first state-wide organization to adopt the Ethical Angler® code of responsible fishing practices when it signed a partnership agreement with NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) Office of Constituent Services and Boat U.S. today. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is an agency of the Commerce Department.

MSSA will use the Ethical Angler® as an extra lure in its conservation tackle box to remind sport anglers of the key role they play in marine conservation and to reach newcomers to recreational fishing with principles that can help ensure the future of fishing in Maryland.

Since its founding over 20 years ago, MSSA has made fishery conservation a priority among its members. The organization will provide its 6,500 members with Ethical Angler® informational materials and will incorporate messages into exhibits for the general public at boat and outdoor shows as well as at the four major fishing tournaments MSSA sponsors each year.

NOAA Fisheries, in partnership with Boat U.S., the nation's largest recreational boating organization, developed the code three years ago to promote conservation of the nation’s living marine resources. Since that time the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has joined the partnership to help reach anglers along the East Coast with the seven part code and the stewardship philosophy it imparts.

"Since experienced anglers are usually eager to share their fishing skills with the next generation, we are extremely pleased to have a simple tool to help MSSA spread the message of responsible fishing.” said Bill Hogarth, NOAA Fisheries director.

"Saltwater angling is growing in popularity and with the addition of MSSA to our partnership these experienced anglers will be able to reach thousands of newcomers to the sport in Maryland with a message that promotes conservation and responsible recreational fishing principles," said Boat U.S. chairman and CEO, Richard Schwartz.

NOAA Fisheries is looking forward to continuing its partnership with Boat U.S. to further marine conservation and increase responsible marine recreational fishing opportunities.

NOAA Fisheries is dedicated to protecting and preserving our nation’s living marine resources through scientific research, management, enforcement and the conservation of marine mammals, and other protected marine species and their habitat.

To learn more about NOAA fisheries, please visit:

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov.