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U.S. Code as of:
01/19/04
Section 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.
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