Fish and Wildlife Service
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE JOINS WITH INDUSTRY
TO PROMOTE SAFE BOATING AND SPORT FISHINGFish and Wildlife Service Director Mollie Beattie and the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council today announced a nationwide "Boat Smart/Fish Smart" information campaign to promote boating safety and sport fishing.
As part of the effort, boaters will be able to call a toll-free number, 1-800-336-BOAT, to learn about boating safety courses taught by volunteers in their communities. Meanwhile, anglers in 15 states will be able to dial 1-800-ASK-FISH to receive current fishing reports as well as information on fresh- and saltwater fishing locations.
"Our goal is to open the way for more Americans to participate in safe and enjoyable recreation on our Nation's waters, whether they be anglers or boaters, or both," Director Beattie said.
The BOAT/U.S. Clean Water Trust, a non-profit organization, will manage the overall project. Boating safety information will be provided by the BOAT/U.S. Foundation for Boating Safety, while fishing information will be provided by the Sport Fishing Promotion Council, a fishing industry group.
In order to make the public aware of the two toll-free telephone numbers, more than 2 million Boat Smart/Fish Smart fliers will be distributed throughout the Nation in state boat registration packets and targeted mass mailings during 1995.
The Service developed the campaign in conjunction with the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council, a Federal advisory panel composed of representatives from the Nation's boating and fishing communities.
It will be underwritten by the Service's Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration program. Known popularly as Wallop-Breaux, the Federal Aid program is funded through Federal excise taxes on fishing equipment and boat fuel. Last year, the Service distributed more than $174 million in Federal Aid revenue to the states for projects benefiting fishing, boating, and hunting.
November 29, 1994 BOAT/U.S. Clean Water Trust 703-823-9550
Sport Fishing Promotion Council 703-519-9691