Join NOAA Fisheries in celebrating National Fishing and Boating Week! This time each year 11 million Americans who think wetting a line in saltwater is a great way to spend time share their passion for fish and recreational fishing.

U.S. fisheries are among the world’s largest and most sustainable because U.S. science-based fishery management prevents overfishing and rebuilds fish stocks, helping strengthen the value of fisheries to the economy, our communities, and marine ecosystems and providing a long-term supply of seafood for the nation. NOAA Fisheries is responsible for the stewardship of the nation’s ocean resources and their habitat. One way NOAA Fisheries accomplishes this is by conserving, protecting, and recovering marine mammals and endangered/threatened marine species under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act. 

The resilience of our marine ecosystems and coastal communities depend on healthy marine species, including protected species such as whales, sea turtles, corals, and salmon. Through its Marine Recreational Information Program, or MRIP, NOAA Fisheries counts and reports marine recreational catch and effort to ensure the long-term health of ocean fisheries and other marine life in federal waters. MRIP works with both commercial and recreational fishermen to count what species are being caught, when, where, and how. This information is used to decide how many fish can be taken recreationally and commercially without negatively affecting the sustainability of individual fisheries.

If you’re planning on celebrating National Fishing and Boating Week by casting out a line or two, make sure you have the right resources and information first:

• Get an updated weather forecast 
• Check the tides and sea conditions
• Find out how to purchase a recreational fishing permit 
• Learn the rules of responsible fishing