FISH AND WILDLIFE ACT OF 1956, AS AMENDED 

 (An Excerpt from Title 16 of the United States Code) 



ABSTRACT 



Contains provisions for the establishment of 

 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its con- 

 stituent agencies, the Bureau of Commercial 

 Fisheries and the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and 

 Wildlife. Outlines conditions for making loans for 

 construction or purchase of fishing vessels and 

 granting of fishing vessel insurance. Also covers 

 cooperation with the Department of State, repre- 

 sentation at international meetings, investigation 

 and research in fisheries, consultations with 

 other organizations on fish and wildlife prob- 

 lems, reports to Congress and the President, 

 and appropriation of funds. 



Sec. 74Za. Declaration of policy. 



The Congress declares that the fish, shellfish, and wildlife re- 

 sources of the Nation make a material contribution to our national 

 economy and food supply, as well as a material contribution to the 

 health, recreation, and well-being of our citizens; that such re- 

 sources are a living, renewable form of national wealth that is 

 capable of being maintained and greatly increased with proper 

 management, but equally capable of destruction if neglected or un- 

 wisely exploited; that such resources afford outdoor recreation 

 throughout the Nation and provide employment, directly or indirectly, 

 to a substantial number of citizens; that the fishing industries 

 strengthen the defense of the United States through the provision of a 

 trained seafaring citizenry and action- ready fleets of seaworthy 

 vessels; that the training and sport afforded by fish and wildlife 

 resources strengthen the national defense by contributing to the 

 general health and physical fitness of millions of citizens; and that 

 properly developed, such fish and wildlife resources are capable of 

 steadily increasing these valuable contributions to the life of the 

 Nation. 



The Congress further declares that the fishing industry, in its 

 several branches, can prosper and thus fulfill its proper function 

 in national life only if certain fundamental needs are satisfied by 

 means that are consistent with the public interest and in accord with 

 constitutional functions of governments. Among these needs are: 



(1) Freedom of enterprise--freedom to develop new areas, 

 methods, products, and markets inaccordance with sound economic 

 principles, as well as freedom from unnecessary administrative 

 or legal restrictions that unreasonably conflict with or ignore 

 economic needs; 



