Monitor and assess pennsylvanias fisheries resources with a strategic scientific based management approach to develop implement and evaluate fisheries management strategies consistent with aquatic…

The Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 5 awarded the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission $7.661 million on January 1, 2026, under the Sport Fish Restoration program (CFDA 15.605) for fisheries management and monitoring through December 31, 2026.

The Commission will monitor and assess Pennsylvania's fisheries resources using strategic, science-based management approaches to develop, implement, and evaluate fisheries management strategies. Deliverables include aquatic resource assessment and monitoring; long-term monitoring of Delaware River estuary striped bass spawning stock; angler use, harvest, and opinion surveys; human dimensions research; rehabilitation and interagency management of Lake Erie; operational planning and coordination; administration; public outreach; and professional training. Expected outcomes include maintaining healthy and sustainable sport fish populations to provide recreational fishing opportunities for resident and nonresident anglers throughout Pennsylvania waterways.

The award carries no sub-recipient pass-through activities. Work is performed throughout Pennsylvania with coordination on multi-jurisdictional species involving neighboring states and federal agencies.

Sport Fish Restoration funding derives from excise taxes on motorboat fuel, certain electric motors, fishing equipment, and import duties on fishing tackle and yachts, deposited into the Sport Fish Restoration Trust Fund and apportioned annually to state agencies by legislative formula. The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission is a state agency under the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and participates in the program as a state agency with lead management responsibility for fish and wildlife resources.

Monitor and assess pennsylvanias fisheries resources with a strategic scientific based management approach to develop implement and evaluate fisheries management strategies consistent with aquatic resources with objectives based on the character of individual waters groups with like attributes or individual species or groups of species and to provide recreational fishing opportunities. Activities include aquatic resource assessment and monitoring reporting and management long term monitoring of delaware river estuary striped bass spawning stock angler use harvest and opinion surveys and human dimensions research rehabilitation and interagency management of lake erie operational planning coordination and administration public outreach and professional training. Expected outcomes include maintaining healthy and sustainable populations of sport fish. Intended beneficiaries are resident and nonresident anglers fishing in pennsylvania waterways. There are no subrecipient activities.