| The stated mission of the Pennsylvania Fish and | | | | statewide. Each year there are several contests, |
| Boat Commission is to "protect, conserve, and | | | | recognition programs and activities for children |
| enhance the Commonwealths aquatic resources | | | | engaged in outdoor fun. There is also a website |
| and provide fishing and boating opportunities". The | | | | devoted to children offering games and learning |
| prime objective of the Commission is to protect | | | | opportunities. Family fishing programs are offered |
| the water based resources of Pennsylvania. They | | | | to promote developing future sports men and |
| are also responsible for the use of those | | | | women. |
| resources' through outdoor recreation. The | | | | Regulation of the water resources are also a |
| commission was founded on March 30, 1866. | | | | major role of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat |
| Since 1987 the motto "Resource First" has stood | | | | Commission. |
| to protect the quality of the waters of | | | | 1. Fishing. The commission is responsible for the |
| Pennsylvania, thereby providing a livable habitat | | | | regulations regarding seasons, size and creel limits. |
| for wildlife. The PFBC is an independent agency | | | | The designation of special trout streams and |
| composed of ten commissioners who are | | | | other special regulation areas protects the states |
| appointed by the Governor and approved by the | | | | fisheries and ensures sportsmen of years of |
| Legislature. Being independent allows for programs | | | | quality sport to come. Fishing tournaments and |
| to be based on need rather than political | | | | derbies are controlled by the commission. Permits |
| considerations. This helps promote a more natural | | | | on charter fishing and regulations of fishing guides |
| environment for water sports. | | | | are also part of the commissions duties. |
| The Commission is involved in many educational | | | | 2. Boating. The regulations regarding boating |
| endeavors. | | | | requirements, private aids to navigation, accident |
| 1 Fishing Fundamentals. The PFBC teaches such | | | | reporting and regattas are determined by the |
| things as basic fishing skills, where to fish, | | | | commission. |
| Pennsylvania fish species, good fishing | | | | The PBFC is responsible for many non sporting |
| stewardship, and ice fishing opportunities. | | | | uses of the state's water also. Commercial fishing, |
| 2 Boating. Topics range from where to boat in | | | | wood cutting from protected areas, use of |
| Pennsylvania, boating safety, nautical rules of the | | | | pesticides and algicides that affect the public |
| road, and they publish a calendar of fishing and | | | | waters and even the use of explosives in the |
| boating events. | | | | states waters. There are hundreds of |
| 3. Aquatic Habitats. The PFBC is instrumental in | | | | conservation officers, hatchery personnel, law |
| providing information on Pennsylvania's native | | | | enforcement officers, biologists and disciplines |
| species, aquatic nuisance species, which can | | | | ranging from carpenters to office personnel under |
| damage ecosystems in which they do not belong, | | | | the guidance of the PBFC. |
| and endangered and threatened species which are | | | | The commission has come a long way since it |
| native to Pennsylvania. | | | | inception over 140 years ago. The modern use of |
| The Commission has several programs available | | | | the INTERNET has made the purchase of licenses |
| for educators. In addition hundreds of volunteers | | | | and dissemination of information through the |
| provide services for boaters and fishermen | | | | commission website a true 21st century operation. |