Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

Posted on December 2nd, 2008 by Admin

The stated mission of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is to “protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealths aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities”. The prime objective of the Commission is to protect the water based resources of Pennsylvania. They are also responsible for the use of those resources’ through outdoor recreation. The commission was founded on March 30, 1866.

Since 1987 the motto “Resource First” has stood to protect the quality of the waters of Pennsylvania, thereby providing a livable habitat for wildlife. The PFBC is an independent agency composed of ten commissioners who are appointed by the Governor and approved by the Legislature. Being independent allows for programs to be based on need rather than political considerations. This helps promote a more natural environment for water sports.

The Commission is involved in many educational endeavors.

1 Fishing Fundamentals. The PFBC teaches such things as basic fishing skills, where to fish, Pennsylvania fish species, good fishing stewardship, and ice fishing opportunities.

2 Boating. Topics range from where to boat in Pennsylvania, boating safety, nautical rules of the road, and they publish a calendar of fishing and boating events.

3. Aquatic Habitats. The PFBC is instrumental in providing information on Pennsylvania’s native species, aquatic nuisance species, which can damage ecosystems in which they do not belong, and endangered and threatened species which are native to Pennsylvania.

The Commission has several programs available for educators. In addition hundreds of volunteers provide services for boaters and fishermen statewide. Each year there are several contests, recognition programs and activities for children engaged in outdoor fun. There is also a website devoted to children offering games and learning opportunities. Family fishing programs are offered to promote developing future sports men and women.

Regulation of the water resources are also a major role of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

1. Fishing. The commission is responsible for the regulations regarding seasons, size and creel limits. The designation of special trout streams and other special regulation areas protects the states fisheries and ensures sportsmen of years of quality sport to come. Fishing tournaments and derbies are controlled by the commission. Permits on charter fishing and regulations of fishing guides are also part of the commissions duties.

2. Boating. The regulations regarding boating requirements, private aids to navigation, accident reporting and regattas are determined by the commission.

The PBFC is responsible for many non sporting uses of the state’s water also. Commercial fishing, wood cutting from protected areas, use of pesticides and algicides that affect the public waters and even the use of explosives in the states waters. There are hundreds of conservation officers, hatchery personnel, law enforcement officers, biologists and disciplines ranging from carpenters to office personnel under the guidance of the PBFC.

The commission has come a long way since it inception over 140 years ago. The modern use of the INTERNET has made the purchase of licenses and dissemination of information through the commission website a true 21st century operation.

Robert Grazian is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about fish and boat commission visit Best Pennsylvania Fishing for current articles and discussions.