Resolve, To Direct the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife To Conduct an Evaluation of Its Sport Fishing Program

Sec. 1. Evaluation of sport fishing program. Resolved: That the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife shall evaluate the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife's sport fishing program to identify progress the department has made in 2009 toward the objectives set forth in this resolve. In addition, the commissioner shall identify capacity needed for and constraints to achieving the following objectives:

1. Expanding participation in fishing in the State;

2. Improving the State’s recreational fishing economy;

3. Improving customer service to anglers;

4. Increasing fishing opportunities;

5. Securing appropriate access to inland waters;

6. Continuing to simplify fishing rules where possible;

7. Increasing populations of large fish with public support;

8. Protecting and enhancing native and wild fisheries; and

9. Enhancing and protecting the quality of existing fishing experiences; and be it further

Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife shall report the commissioner’s findings and recommendations based on the evaluation in section 1 to the Joint Standing Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife by January 31, 2010. The report must include, but is not limited to:

1. Fishing license sales data for 2009;

2. A link to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife's fish stocking data on its website;

3. A list of new water access sites created in 2009; and

4. References to any other relevant department reports issued in 2009.

The Joint Standing Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife may submit legislation to the Second Regular Session of the 124th Legislature based on the report.