Press Releases

ALEXANDRIA, VA (May 26, 2010) – Recent events in the Gulf Coast have highlighted the importance of protecting the nation’s waterways. As many Americans feel compelled to support clean-up efforts, the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF), a non-profit organization that encourages participation in boating and fishing, wants to encourage people to take part in conserving all U.S. aquatic resources. RBFF encourages media interested in supporting this message to run the Take Me Fishing public service announcement on “Conservation through Participation.” 
 
“Boaters and anglers are a significant source of funding for waterways conservation and recreation in the United States,” said RBFF President & CEO Frank Peterson. “Their investments in licenses and equipment, which help create jobs and protect our nation's natural resources, are particularly important in these tough times.”

Some of the most simple and even enjoyable activities can make a difference in local conservation efforts. For example, when an angler buys fishing tackle or a boater buys fuel, a portion of those funds are distributed to states by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service through the Sport Fish Restoration Program. This year, nearly $400 million will be distributed to states through the Sport Fish Restoration apportionment.

Projects supported by these sales include:

• Acquiring and improving fish habitats
• Stocking fish
• Providing aquatic resource education opportunities
• Conducting fisheries research
• Maintaining public access
• Constructing boat ramps, fishing piers and other facilities

Since 2005, RBFF has played a critical role in helping generate nearly $20 million for state conservation efforts and introducing more than one million youth and newcomers to boating and fishing.

“There are thousands of lakes, rivers and streams listed on TakeMeFishing.org that are less than an hour away from most American homes,” added Peterson. “Now more than ever is the time to practice responsible boating and fishing and take care to leave our waters in better shape than we found them.”

Take Me Fishing, the boating and fishing communities’ award-winning national campaign, helps boaters and anglers of all ages and experience levels learn, plan and equip for a day on the water. The campaign website, TakeMeFishing.org, features tips and how-to’s that can be used all over the country, tools to compare different styles of boats, information on how to get a fishing license, and an interactive state-by-state map that allows visitors to find the perfect boating and fishing spot by interest. The site also explains the importance of water conservation and ways to practice responsible fishing and boating. 

About RBFF
RBFF is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, thereby protecting and restoring the nation’s aquatic natural resources. RBFF helps people discover, share and protect the legacy of boating and fishing through national outreach programs including the Take Me Fishing™ campaign and Anglers’ Legacy™.