PITTSBURGH - BASS Conservation today reminded a room full of reporters at the 35th annual Bassmaster Classic that conservation should always be a top priority and work is continuing to promote awareness and education on the topic.
"We appreciate the press attendance and insightful questions at today's media briefing and are very pleased with their interest in BASS' conservation efforts and tournament fish care," said Noreen Clough, BASS conservation director.
Clough and Gene Gilliland, a fisheries biologist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, said BASS' catch and release ethic is at the core of everything they do.
Fish are out of water no longer than a minute and anglers are penalized 4 ounces for bringing in an expired fish. Additionally, all bass caught are immediately returned to the waters.
Also attending the conference and fielding questions were Chris Horton, associate director of conservation, Doug Austen, executive director of the PENNSYLVANIA Fish and Boat Commission and Maryland State Sen. John Astle, who is president of the National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses.
BASS also presented a certificate of appreciation to Pat Mackey, president of Mercury Marine, and Michelle Kilburn, manager of tournaments and events.
Mercury recently pledged $15,000 to fund a study on the effects of culling.