National Outreach and Communication Program

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is seeking proposals from applicants to implement the National Outreach and Communication Program (NOCP) for sportfishing and boating. This program was established by the Sportfishing and Boating Safety Act of 1998 (Public Law 105 178) in an attempt to reverse declining trends in participation rates in angling and boating. The primary purposes of the NOCP are to: 1)improve communications with anglers, boaters, and the general public regarding angling and boating opportunities; 2)reduce barriers to access and participation in angling and boating activities; 3) advance the adoption of sound angling and boating practices in the U.S.' 4)promote conservation and the responsible use of the nation's aquatic resources; and 5)further safety in angling and boating. The law requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop and implement a national plan for the NOCP in cooperation and consultation with the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council(Council). The Council develop the National Outreach and Communication Program Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan).