The Secretary of Commerce is directed to undertake a comprehensive continuing study of the migratory marine fish of interest to recreational fishermen of the United States, including species inhabiting the offshore waters of the United States and species which migrate through or spend a part of their lives in the inshore waters of the United States. The study shall include, but not be limited to, research on migrations, identity of stocks, growth rates, mortality rates, variations in survival, environmental influences, both natural and artificial, including pollution, and effects of fishing on the species, for the purpose of developing wise conservation policies and constructive management activities.
(Pub. L. 86–359, § 1, Sept. 22, 1959, 73 Stat. 642; 1970 Reorg. Plan No. 4, § 1(b), eff. Oct. 3, 1970, 35 F.R. 15627, 84 Stat. 2090.)