faster than it is understood and accepted by the public, by other state 

 agencies, by federal agencies, and by various private and public 

 organizations. 



The picture which has developed during this biennium is presented 

 herein. The reader, however, must keep two thoughts foremost in his 

 mind. 



First, fisheries management is a changing science, and the 

 fisheries resource is a changing resource. Those interested in the 

 resource must consider it with an open and flexible mind that is 

 capable of adjustment to the changing conditions and newly acquired 

 scientific facts. 



Second, concepts change as well. While the Indians and early 

 settlers regarded fish as a food source basic to their survival, fishing 

 later developed into a pastime, a hobby. Increasing numbers of people 

 followed the sport, but fishing was subordinated to all other water 

 uses as one of little importance. However, fishing being a particularly 

 desirable type of recreation has attracted an ever increasing number 

 of anglers, so that from this sport a major industry has developed. 

 The recreational industry has become so interwoven into Montana 

 economy that fishing is gaining a place as a beneficial use of water 

 on a level with other water uses. 



While the financial and industrial aspects of fishing are import- 

 ant, these are subordinated by certain intangibles. For example, its 

 effect on the moral fiber of citizens is great and among those who 

 fish are found almost no juvenile delinquents and very few adult 

 criminals. It is an especially beneficial form of relaxation of un- 

 measurable worth to the health and welfare of the people. 



If recreational fishing is to see an orderly expansion so needed 

 by Montana and so natural to the state, those whose actions and 

 decisions affect it must act without prejudice, deceit, or partiality, 

 or desire for personal gain with the total welfare of the people 

 foremost in mind. 



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