5 Ways Your Fishing License Supports Conservation

By Stephanie Vatalaro

Apr 17, 2017

Buy a license, save the planet. That would be nice, right? While not 100% accurate, there is some truth in the statement.

Buy a license, save the planet. That would be nice, right? While not 100% accurate, there is some truth in the statement. In fact, thanks to the Sport Fish Restoration Program, anglers and boaters help protect our aquatic natural places and the wildlife that lives there through the purchase of fishing licenses, boat registrations, fishing gear, boat fuel, and much more. 
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So the next time you pick up a license, you should feel good knowing that your fishing license purchase supports these five conservation projects in your state:   


1.    Building public boat ramps
2.    Keeping local waters clean so families can fish and swim
3.    Maintaining a healthy fish population
4.    Fishing education and activities for the kids
5.    Funds long-term plans to protect our lakes and streams



In addition to the conservation benefits of buying a fishing license, there are other things you can do to protect and maintain your local waterways for future generations to enjoy. Be an ethical angler by following your state rules and regulations for catch size and catch limit, use catch and release best practices, and use the Boy Scout Rule by leaving your favorite fishing hole cleaner than you found it.  
Stephanie Vatalaro
Stephanie Vatalaro
Stephanie Vatalaro is vice president of communications for the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation and its Take Me Fishing and Vamos A Pescar campaigns where she works to recruit newcomers to recreational fishing and boating and increase awareness of aquatic conservation. Stephanie grew up in the Florida Keys as the daughter of a flats fishing guide. Outside of work, you can find her fishing and boating with her family on the Potomac River in the Northern Neck of Virginia.