FEDERAL LEGISLATION

    The Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act of 1950, as amended 16 U.S.C. §§777a-777l (1985 and Supp. 1991) (also known as the Dingell-Johnson Act), provides Federal aid to the States in sport fish restoration work. The Dingell-Johnson Act is funded by excise taxes on fishing equipment, import duties on fishing tackle and pleasure boats, and a portion of a tax on motorboat fuels.

    Dingell-Johnson Act funding is distributed to States according to a formula based on the geographic area of the State and the number of State residents with fishing licenses. These monies can be used for up to 75 percent of the cost of fish restoration and management projects and comprehensive plans for fish and wildlife resource management. A portion of funding under this Act can be used for aquatic resource education programs. Regulatory/Responsible Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

    The Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1956 Governs fishing in all U.S. waters throughout the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. The purpose of the Act is to promote conservation and sound management of commercial fishing resources. The Act covers all species of marine animals and plants, including anadromous species, except for marine mammals, birds, and highly migratory species of tuna.

    The Pacific Fishery Management Council, a regional council authorized by the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act, makes recommendations for regulation to the Secretary of Commerce. The council does not supersede the authority of the California Department of Fish and Game in California waters. Regulatory/Responsible Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

    This law, as amended 16 U.S.C. §757a et seq. (Supp. I, 1965), authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to cooperate with the States in conserving, developing, and enhancing the nation's anadromous fish and fish in the Great Lakes that migrate up streams to spawn. The Act authorizes research and investigations and construction and maintenance of hatcheries and of structures to improve feeding and spawning conditions, and to facilitate the free migration of fish. These measures are cost-shared with the States and with other non-Federal interests. Regulatory/Responsible Agency: Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife and the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries.