What We Do
The Council advises the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce on aquatic conservation and restoration endeavors in fresh, estuarine, and marine environments that benefit recreational fishery resources, enhance recreational boating, and encourage partnerships among industry, the public, and government to advance these efforts.
The duties of the Council are solely advisory and include:
- Providing advice that will assist the Secretaries in compliance with the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and other applicable statutes;
- Fulfilling responsibilities established by Executive Order 12962, as modified by Executive Order 13474:
- Monitoring specific Federal activities affecting aquatic systems and the recreational fisheries they support, and
- Reviewing and evaluating the relation of Federal policies and activities to the status and conditions of recreational fishery resources;
- Recommending policies or programs to increase public awareness and support for the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund;
- Recommending policies or programs that foster conservation, stewardship, and ethical practices in recreational fishing and boating;
- Recommending policies or programs to stimulate and expand angler and boater participation in the conservation and restoration of aquatic resources;
- Recommending policies and programs to stimulate recreational fishing and boating opportunities for all Americans, and to remove barriers to access for youth, veterans, urban residents, and other underrepresented communities; and
- Advising how the Secretaries can foster communication, education, and coordination among government, industry, anglers, boaters, and the public.
Council members serve on subcommittees that focus on relevant topics, including boating issues, fishing issues, and outreach and communications. Learn more about each of the subcommittees.
Our Programs
The Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council is managed by the Fish and Aquatic Conservation program and receives funding through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Fund.
Our Services
The Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council (Council) is a federal advisory committee that provides guidance to the U.S. government on issues related to recreational fishing, boating, and aquatic resource conservation. The Council advises the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce – working through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – on policies and initiatives that support sustainable fisheries and expand recreational boating and fishing opportunities across the United States. Its role is advisory, meaning it evaluates programs, reviews federal activities affecting aquatic ecosystems, and provides policy recommendations to improve the management and conservation of these resources.
The Council also promotes partnerships and coordination among government agencies, the fishing and boating industry, conservation groups, and the public. Through its recommendations, it encourages programs that restore and protect aquatic habitats, increase public awareness of conservation efforts, and strengthen participation in recreational fishing and boating. Additionally, the Council helps identify strategies to improve waterway access, support boating safety, address environmental challenges such as habitat degradation or derelict vessels, and promote ethical stewardship of aquatic resources.
Overall, the services provided by the Council center on advising federal leadership, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and developing policy recommendations that enhance aquatic conservation while expanding recreational opportunities. By bridging industry, government, and public interests, the Council helps ensure that U.S. aquatic ecosystems remain healthy and accessible for recreational anglers and boaters.
