Noreen Clough, B.A.S.S. national conservation director, was elected to the board of the National Fisheries Friends Partnership (NFFP) at its meeting in late October.
The NFFP unites leading fishing, conservation, recreation, industry and business groups in a unique coalition to support and promote the conservation and restoration of fish, plants and other aquatic organisms, as well as the habitats they need to thrive.
With a mission of building a network of grassroots support, the NFFP serves as a national champion for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and its actions for the conservation and restoration of aquatic species. The NFFP works to ensure that broad public understanding is fortified by the conviction that plants, animals and fish are vital to human, environmental and economic well-being.
National policy and funding for the FWS Fisheries Program are strengthened by this coalition. At the grass-roots level, the partnership helps to build the capacity of its member organizations so they can more fully engage their communities and key members of Congress in support of aquatic conservation and restoration work.
"Fisheries Friends groups are nonprofit organizations that work in partnership with the FWS at National Fish Hatcheries, Fish and Wildlife Conservation offices, and Fish Health and Fish Technology Centers," explained Clough. "The NFFP provides a citizen voice and volunteer assistance with the protection and conservation of national aquatic resources for the benefit of present and future generations."
NFFP was formed in 2007, following passage of the National Fish Hatchery Volunteer Act of 2006. It was officially awarded 501(c)3 status in January 2011, and it operates under a Memorandum of Understanding with the FWS.
Organizations besides B.A.S.S. that are represented on the board are Trout Unlimited, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, American Fly Fishing Trade Association and several National Fish Hatchery advocates.