WHAT DO ANGLERS DO FOR CONSERVATION?
I. FUNDING
The license fee system is the primary method of funding fisheries conservation efforts in Mississippi. In addition, the Fisheries Bureau is funded by the Sportfish Restoration Fund. This program is funded by federal excise taxes that are collected from the sale of fishing tackle, electric trolling motors, imported boats, and marine fuel and then divided among the 50 state fisheries agencies. Each state's share is based on the size of its public water bodies and number of licensed anglers. The license fees and excise taxes pay for activities such as:
- Management and conservation of fish and aquatic habitats
- Habitat restoration
- Fish hatcheries
- Aquatic education
- State Fishing Lake operations and maintenance
- Boat ramp construction
- Land acquisition for public boating access
Economic Impacts of Wildlife and Fisheries Associated Recreation on the Mississippi Economy
Sportfishing in America: An Economic Force for Conservation
II. MANAGEMENT
Fisheries Management
Anglers manage fish populations through harvest or catch and release practices, and help fisheries managers by completing angler creel surveys.
Habitat Management
Anglers help improve fisheries habitat by adding fish attractors on private ponds and during habitat enhancement days at public water bodies.
III. PASSING IT ON
By introducing new people to the tradition of fishing, today's anglers keep alive a passion for fishing and outdoor recreation, introduce new people to the skills needed for fishing, and, in the process, pass on the values of an ethical angler and an appreciation for fisheries conservation.
