§ 742a. — Declaration of policy.
[Laws in effect as of January 24, 2002]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
January 24, 2002 and December 19, 2002]
[CITE: 16USC742a]
TITLE 16--CONSERVATION
CHAPTER 9--FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Sec. 742a. Declaration of policy
The Congress declares that the fish, shellfish, and wildlife
resources of the Nation make a material contribution to our national
economy and food supply, as well as a material contribution to the
health, recreation, and well-being of our citizens; that such resources
are a living, renewable form of national wealth that is capable of being
maintained and greatly increased with proper management, but equally
capable of destruction if neglected or unwisely exploited; that such
resources afford outdoor recreation throughout the Nation and provide
employment, directly or indirectly, to a substantial number of citizens;
that the fishing industries strengthen the defense of the United States
through the provision of a trained seafaring citizenry and action-ready
fleets of seaworthy vessels; that the training and sport afforded by
fish and wildlife resources strengthen the national defense by
contributing to the general health and physical fitness of millions of
citizens; and that properly developed, such fish and wildlife resources
are capable of steadily increasing these valuable contributions to the
life of the Nation.
The Congress further declares that the fishing industry, in its
several branches, can prosper and thus fulfill its proper function in
national life only if certain fundamental needs are satisfied by means
that are consistent with the public interest and in accord with
constitutional functions of governments. Among these needs are:
(1) Freedom of enterprise--freedom to develop new areas,
methods, products, and markets in accordance with sound economic
principles, as well as freedom from unnecessary administrative or
legal restrictions that unreasonably conflict with or ignore
economic needs;
(2) Protection of opportunity--maintenance of an economic
atmosphere in which domestic production and processing can prosper;
protection from subsidized competing products; protection of
opportunity to fish on the high seas in accordance with
international law;
(3) Assistance--assistance consistent with that provided by the
Government for industry generally, such as is involved in promoting
good industrial relations, fair trade standards, harmonious labor
relations, better health standards and sanitation; and including,
but not limited to--
(a) services to provide current information on production
and trade, market promotion and development, and an extension
service,
(b) research services for economic and technologic
development and resource conservation, and
(c) resource management to assure the maximum sustainable
production for the fisheries.
The Congress further declares that the provisions of this Act are
necessary in order to accomplish the objective of proper resource
development, and that this Act shall be administered with due regard to
the inherent right of every citizen and resident of the United States to
engage in fishing for his own pleasure, enjoyment, and betterment, and
with the intent of maintaining and increasing the public opportunities
for recreational use of our fish and wildlife resources, and stimulating
the development of a strong, prosperous, and thriving fishery and fish
processing industry.
(Aug. 8, 1956, ch. 1036, Sec. 2, 70 Stat. 1119.)
References in Text
This Act, referred to in text, is act Aug. 8, 1956, ch. 1036, 70
Stat. 1119, as amended, known as the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956,
which is classified generally to sections 742a to 742d and 742e to 742j-
2 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code,
see Short Title note below and Tables.
Short Title of 1998 Amendments
Pub. L. 105-328, Sec. 1, Oct. 30, 1998, 112 Stat. 3057, provided
that: ``This Act [amending section 742l of this title and enacting
provisions set out as a note under section 742l of this title] may be
cited as the `Fish and Wildlife Revenue Enhancement Act of 1998'.''
Pub. L. 105-242, Sec. 1, Oct. 5, 1998, 112 Stat. 1574, provided
that: ``This Act [amending section 742f of this title and enacting
provisions set out as notes under section 742f of this title] may be
cited as the `National Wildlife Refuge System Volunteer and Community
Partnership Enhancement Act of 1998'.''
Short Title of 1978 Amendment
Pub. L. 95-616, Sec. 1, Nov. 8, 1978, 92 Stat. 3110, provided:
``That this Act [enacting sections 695j-1, 712, 742l of this title and
amending sections 460k-3, 666g, 668a, 668dd, 690e, 695i, 706, 715d,
715i, 715j, 718b, 718c, 718f, 742f, 753a of this title and sections
1114, 3112 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure] may be cited as
the `Fish and Wildlife Improvement Act of 1978'.''
Short Title
Section 1 of act Aug. 8, 1956, provided: ``This Act [enacting this
section and sections 742b to 742d and 742e to 742j of this title and
amending section 713c-3 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade] may be cited as
the `Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956'.''
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in section 1534 of this title.
