Government operations and workforce

Executive Order 12962: Recreational Fisheries

President: Bill Clinton

Directed federal agencies to improve aquatic habitat and recreational fishing opportunities while preserving conservation and other legal duties.

Status: In effect as amended by EO 13474.

Is Executive Order 12962 still in effect? Yes, as amended by EO 13474.

What does Executive Order 12962 do?

EO 12962 required agencies, where permitted and practicable, to improve aquatic resources for recreational fishing, evaluate effects of federal actions, expand access, minimize conflicts and support fisheries data and partnerships. It also established a National Recreational Fisheries Coordination Council and directed a conservation plan. EO 13474 amended the order in 2008 to emphasize sustainable recreational fishing in federally managed conservation areas and updated the statutory framework.

Administration position: The order promotes fishing opportunity within conservation law. It does not guarantee access everywhere or displace endangered-species, refuge, park or fishery-management requirements.
SignedJune 7, 1995
FocusAquatic resources and recreational fishing
Major amendmentEO 13474 in 2008

Before and after

Before the order

Federal fisheries work lacked this government-wide recreational-fishing policy and coordination structure.

After the order

Agencies had common duties to consider access, habitat, sustainability and data.

Who had to do what

Agency / officeActionTiming / position
Federal agenciesImprove habitat and recreational opportunity where lawful and practicableContinuing
Interior and CommerceCoordinate fisheries policy and plansUnder the amended framework

What happened next

EO 12962 established the policy.

EO 13474 strengthened sustainability language.

The amended order remained in official use.