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Th-4,5-29 The Role of the Media in Angler Support for the Sport Fish Restoration Program
Since the Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) program was authorized in 1950 by the Sport Fish Restoration Act (Dingell-Johnson), states have used resulting funds for research, surveys, and fishery management projects intended to strengthen populations of sport fish to enhance recreational angling. With approval of the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund (Wallop-Breaux) in 1984, the breadth of projects expanded, with resulting benefits to American anglers through the actions of fishery management agencies in each state. During that period, sportfishing media, primarily magazines, began to focus on aspects of fish biology and fishery management, informing readers of the processes managers use to improve fisheries, how such programs are funded, and what specific results have been realized. Articles in key publications informed readers about stocking efforts and their benefits and pitfalls; fish behavior; the philosophy and tradition behind fishery regulations; the importance of access; aquatic education; findings from the emerging field of genetics; population dynamics; and more. Writers relied heavily on projects funded by SFR for story material. As core publication stressed the importance of fishery policy to anglers, other media, including print, radio, television, and the internet, began to increasingly cover topics related to how agencies, using SFR funding, work to improve and enhance habitat, stock fish, and manage resources. In recent decades, the angling public has become increasingly well versed in these areas, leading to many cooperative efforts between agencies and volunteer groups and individuals, political support for agencies, and occasional conflict. Angler support has helped SFR withstand fiscal and philosophical attacks over the years. Results include continued excellent angling today.