ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 12962Executive OrderClinton · D

Executive Order 12962

Recreational Fisheries

Energy & EnvironmentEnergy & EnvironmentFederal WorkforceFederal WorkforceEconomy & LaborEconomy & Labor

In simple terms

This executive order directs federal agencies to conserve, restore, and enhance aquatic systems to expand recreational fishing opportunities nationwide. It establishes a National Recreational Fisheries Coordination Council, mandates development of a 5-year Conservation Plan, requires a joint ESA policy from wildlife agencies, and expands an advisory council's role to monitor federal activities affecting recreational fisheries.

Federal Register Open PDF 60 FR 30769

Record & deadlines

  1. Signed

    Signed by the President

  2. FR published

    Published in the Federal Register · 60 FR 30769

    Federal Register PDF

  3. Recreational Fishery Resources Conservation Plan due from Coordination Council

  4. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service joint ESA policy due

Key directives

  • Federal agencies shall improve aquatic resources for recreational fishing through partnerships, habitat restoration, access, outreach, cost-share programs, and landowner assistance
  • Establish 7-member Coordination Council with Commerce and Interior co-chairs
  • Develop comprehensive 5-year Conservation Plan within 12 months with measurable objectives and accountability mechanisms
  • Develop joint FWS/NMFS ESA policy within 6 months to minimize conflicts with recreational fisheries
  • Expand Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council to monitor federal activities and prepare annual reports

Who is ordered

What to expect

Immediate

  • Establishment of National Recreational Fisheries Coordination Council
  • Expansion of Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council role

Near term (90d)

  • Coordination Council begins operations and agency coordination
  • Joint ESA policy development initiated (6-month deadline begins)

Long term

  • Conservation Plan due within 12 months
  • 5-year agenda implementation by federal agencies
  • Biennial reports on Conservation Plan accomplishments
  • Annual reports from Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council

Risks & tensions

  • Non-binding language ('to the extent permitted by law and where practicable') may limit enforceability
  • Potential tension between recreational fisheries promotion and ESA obligations; EO attempts to manage this but conflicts may persist
  • Coordination Council has no independent authority over member agencies; effectiveness depends on voluntary cooperation
  • Section 6 explicitly bars judicial enforcement, limiting accountability for non-compliance
  • Vague 'measurable objectives' requirement without predefined metrics leaves accountability mechanism uncertain
Executive Order 12962: Recreational Fisheries · Executive Orders