The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service joined with Fisheries Friends Groups in the official establishment of a National Fisheries Friends Partnership (NFFP). From across the United States, representatives of Fisheries Friends Groups gathered this past spring in the nation’s capital to formalize this new partnership.

Fisheries Friends Groups are non-profit organizations that work in partnership with the Service at National Fish Hatcheries, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Offices and Fish Health and Fish Technology Centers. The NFFP will provide a citizen voice and volunteer assistance with the protection and conservation of national aquatic resources for the benefit of present and future generations at Fisheries Program field stations.

“In the years to come, we will look back at the actions of this dedicated group of citizens and see this as a truly defining moment in our history, where a stronger foundation was laid to assure a bright future for the nation’s fisheries,” said Dr. Stuart Leon, Chief, Division of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Conservation.

For more information about the Fisheries Program and Fisheries Friends Groups, please go to www.fws.gov/fisheries – Jay Cassell