Number: 1979-11
WHEREAS, the Dingell-Johnson Act has provided state fish and wildlife agencies with a continuing and reliable source of funds to perform vital functions in behalf of fisheries management; and
WHEREAS, the increased numbers of fishermen and improved fishing tackle and attendant equipment are creating ever-increasing demands for fisheries resources; and
WHEREAS, there is a clearly recognized need to develop more effective fisheries management programs; and
WHEREAS, the funds currently available for such purposes are inadequate to meet existing research and management needs; and
WHEREAS, the outlook for increased funding from existing sources, such as license fees and/or general tax revenues, is bleak;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual meeting assembled March 22-25, 1979, in Toronto, Ontario, hereby expresses its strong support for legislation that would extend reasonable excise taxes to new sport fishing boats, motors, trailers, and certain types of other fishing equipment not now included on the condition that such revenues will be used to carry out purposes of the Dingell-Johnson Act to fund fishery research and management programs of state wildlife agencies.