ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 12962Executive OrderClinton · D

Executive Order 12962

Recreational Fisheries

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

Impact dates

  1. Recreational Fishery Resources Conservation Plan due from Coordination Council

  2. 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

Timeline

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