16 USC - Chapter 9: Fish and Wildlife Service - §741-754e.

This chapter lays down rules and regulations regarding fish and wildlife service. The Congress has declared that the fish, shellfish, and wildlife resources make a material contribution to the national economy and food supply, as well as a material contribution to the health, recreation, and well-being of the citizens and therefore, the fishing industry, in its several branches, can prosper and fulfill its proper function in national life only if certain fundamental needs are satisfied. Among these needs are: (1) Freedom of enterprise—freedom to develop new areas, methods, products, and markets in accordance with sound economic principles, as well as freedom from unnecessary administrative or legal restrictions that unreasonably conflict with or ignore economic needs; (2) Protection of opportunity—maintenance of an economic atmosphere in which domestic production and processing can prosper; protection from subsidized competing products; protection of opportunity to fish on the high seas in accordance with international law; (3) Assistance—assistance consistent with that provided by the Government for industry generally, such as is involved in promoting good industrial relations, fair trade standards, harmonious labor relations, better health standards and sanitation; and including, but not limited to— (a) services to provide current information on production and trade, market promotion and development, and an extension service, (b) research services for economic and technologic development and resource conservation, and (c) resource management to assure the maximum sustainable production for the fisheries. The Congress further declares that the provisions of this Act are necessary in order to accomplish the objective of proper resource development, and that this Act shall be administered with due regard to the inherent right of every citizen and resident of the United States to engage in fishing for his own pleasure, enjoyment, and betterment, and with the intent of maintaining and increasing the public opportunities for recreational use of our fish and wildlife resources, and stimulating the development of a strong, prosperous, and thriving fishery and fish processing industry.
Regarding governance, there is established within the Department of the Interior the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The functions of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service shall be administered under the supervision of the Director, who shall be subject to the supervision of the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife. The Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. No individual may be appointed as the Director unless he is, by reason of scientific education and experience, knowledgeable in the principles of fisheries and wildlife management.
The chapter also lays down provisions regarding loans for financing or refinancing of cost of purchasing, constructing, equipping, maintaining, repairing, or operating commercial fishing vessels or gear; investigations; preparation and dissemination of information; reports; studies of effects in use of chemicals; transfer of functions to Secretary; powers of Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce; National Volunteer Coordination Program; cooperation with State Department; reports on fishery products; effect on rights of States and international commissions; authorization of appropriations; airborne hunting; uniform allowance; management and disposition of vessels and other property acquired and arising out of fishery loans or related type of activities; enforcement authority for the protection of fish and wildlife resources; authority to use available law enforcement funds; executive assistance; powers of Secretary; vessels of Fish and Wildlife Service; operation and maintenance fees for the M/V Tiglax and other vessels; expenditure of appropriations for propagation of food fishes; station on Mississippi River for rescue of fishes and propagation of mussels; cooperative work; cooperative research and training programs for fish and wildlife resources; appropriations for United States Fish and Wildlife Service and authorization for them; work under reimbursable agreements; recording obligations and crediting amounts received; fee schedule for forensic laboratory services; and funds for contaminant sample analyses.