We strongly believe in introducing new anglers to the delight of fishing

The Future of Fishing

Angling Recruitment and Retention

We strongly believe in introducing new anglers to the delight of fishing and in an effort to do exactly that the Berkley Conservation Institute will:

Support the Angler’s Legacy Program of the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (takemefishing.org).
Recognize outstanding angler recruitment fishing projects by members of the BASS Nation Federation and other partners.
Supporter the Fishing Passport Program of the California Department of Fish and Game.

Angler Access

Berkley is working with the sportsmen’s and environmental organizations in the TRCP to support the Open Fields Legislation. This legislation has been introduced in Congress to fund state sponsored programs to work with willing landowners to expand sportsmen’s access. Both House and Senate versions of the Bill include Open Fields programs and we are hopeful that the Farm Bill that is finally passed includes Open Fields. Many localized battles to maintain or expand fishing access are being led by local sportsmen’s groups. BCI intends to help these groups advocate effectively for maintaining access. An example is the Cape Hattaras National Seashore, where the National Park Service is threatening to close beach access to protect shorebirds and sea turtles. We are helping the Outer Banks Protection Association fight to find the right balance between wildlife conservation and fishing access.

In addition to working on these priority issues, we partner with many conservation organizations on emerging issues throughout the year. Examples from 2007 include advocacy to keep the Everglades canals open to fishing while restoring the “sea of grass” and support for reauthorization of the Magnuson Act.