A LOOK TO THE FUTURE 



As we look into the future, there is little prospect 

 that the demands on our wildlife and fishery resources 

 for food, industrial products, and recreational use can 

 lessen. Instead, these demands are more likely to 

 increase. There is also every prospect that our 

 civilization which has been so destructive of these 

 resources in the past will be no less destructive in the 

 future unless a public conservation conscience can 

 be developed. 



The challenges of the future are many. To meet 

 some of them, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is 

 increasing its efforts to plumb the ocean depths 

 as its part of an accelerated national oceanographic 

 program to acquire vital information for our Nation's 

 defense and economy. It is seeking solutions to 

 the problems arising from the increased demand for 

 more recreational facilities on the national wildlife 

 refuges. It is studying how to produce more fish to 

 meet the needs of fresh-water anglers. It is develop- 

 ing new legislation leading to comprehensive con- 

 tinuing studies of the migratory marine fishes of 

 interest to sport fishermen of the United States. It is 

 greatly concerned with the loss of valuable estuarine 

 areas to industrial and housing developments and with 

 the general loss of waterfowl habitat. It is seeking 

 ways to produce more game birds on continually 

 dwindling areas and to develop means for a selective 

 harvesting of those species that are abundant. 



Vastly expanded programs of fishery and wildlife 

 research and management are necessary in the interest 

 of national welfare. 



The population of our Nation is expanding explo- 

 sively—it is expected to reach 200 millions by 1970-- 

 and at least 300 millions by 2000 A. D. In terms of 

 national recreation, more people means more demands 

 on our fish and wildlife resources. The national fish 

 and wildlife program of the future must continue to be 

 a full partnership effort with constant and close 

 cooperation between the U. S. Fish and Wildlife 

 Service, the State fish and game departments, and 

 private conservation organizations. Federal activities 

 must effectively supplement but not duplicate State 



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