Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service joined forces today to reinforce the values of sport fishing through a public information campaign called The Ethical Angler. The campaign is built around a simple code of responsible fishing practices developed by BoatUS that both organizations will promote.

BoatUS Chairman and Founder, Richard Schwartz, and US Fish and Wildlife Service Director H. Dale Hall signed a memorandum of understanding, agreeing to utilize the code as a public outreach reminder that recreational anglers are partners in fishery conservation.

"The Ethical Angler is designed as a tool to reach anglers, fishing clubs and the general public with this message," Schwartz said. "By upholding the code of The Ethical Angler, we remind ourselves that sport fishing is a great tradition, and that each of us has a role to play in conservation and responsible fishing."

BoatUS plans to make The Ethical Angler the conservation centerpiece for its BoatUS Angler membership program, which offers services, supports safe boating efforts and helps protect the interests of boat-owning anglers. The Ethical Angler campaign's seven-point code of responsible fishing practices is based on the word "A-N-G-L-E-R-S":

• Avoid spilling and never dump gasoline, oil or other pollutants - on land or in the water.
• Never leave trash behind, including worn line, old hooks and bait, and practice recycling.
• Gain knowledge about aquatic nuisance species and how to help prevent their spread.
• Learn and abide by all fishing regulations and boating laws.
• Educate fellow anglers and especially new participants about fishing ethics.
• Respect private property and the rights of other anglers and outdoor recreationists.
• Save fish for tomorrow by practicing conservation and learning proper catch-and-release techniques.

Director Hall said, "Anglers and boaters are some of our nation's most avid conservationists, and the principles of The Ethical Angler creed are values that they live by everyday. By joining with BoatUS in this effort, the Service will help spread the word about the ways young and old alike can enjoy nature while helping conserve our fisheries and aquatic resources for future generations."

The BoatUS Angler membership program is part of the nation's largest association of recreational boaters, Boat Owners Association of The United States. For more information, go to BoatUSAngler.com