of the agency placed the functions of Tidal Fisher-
ies, Coastal Zone Management, and Waterway
Improvement under one Administration.

WATERWAY IMPROVEMENT
DIVISION

Alexander V. Sandusky, Director
Telephone: 841-5607

The Waterway Improvement Program was cre-
ated in 1972 by the State Boat Act (Chapter 348,
Acts of 1972). The Program serves the general
boating public. Under the Program, the Division
places and maintains navigational aids, clears de-
bris and obstructions from waters of the State,
and removes derelict vessels. The Division also
engages in ice breaking and dredging, and con-
structs regional boating facilities and local small-
boat launching ramps, piers, and ancillary facili-
ties.

FISHERIES DIVISION

W. Peter Jensen, Director
Telephone: 974-3558

The Fisheries Division carries out duties of the
former Fisheries Administration, created by
Chapter 348, Acts of 1972. The Division is re-
sponsible for the preservation, enhancement, de-
velopment, and use of all fishery resources in
Maryland.

The Division's Fishery Management Program
includes planting oyster shells for propagation
purposes, transplanting seed oysters on public
oyster bars, and monitoring blue crab movement
to determine fluctuations in annual harvest. The
Program involves annual surveys of young fish to
determine reproductive success, monitoring anad-
romous fish reproduction and harvests, support of
striped bass hatcheries for research and release,
and pond and reservoir fishery development. The
Program also includes environmental review of
permit applications, disease and parasite investiga-
tions, development and analysis of statistics
needed for management decisions, and formula-
tion of management plans. The Division strives to
provide the greatest amount of public trout fishing
within existing habitat while trying to preserve,
enhance, and improve natural trout resources
within the State.

In 1984, the General Assembly authorized the
Department to begin an "Adopt a Rockfish" Pro-
gram (Chapter 687, Acts of 1984). Under this

program, any person may "adopt" a rockfish by
paying $5.00 to the Department. This "adoption"
entitles the person to a certificate of appreciation
for helping to save the rockfish, the State fish.
Revenues received are used to manage striped
bass and inform the public of the importance of
ecological management techniques.

The Watermen's Compensation Program is con-
ducted by the Division. Recommended by the
Task Force to Develop a Watermen's Compensa-
tion Program, the Program provides funding to
supplement commercial fishermen and charter
boat captains' income diminished by the moratori-
um on fishing for rockfish. Under the Program,
commercial fishermen are compensated for partic-
ipating in field surveys and finfish enhancement
projects under Division direction.

The Division is also responsible for the "Catch
a Fortune" Contest. For this contest, sport fish,
worth substantial prizes, are tagged and released
to stimulate interest in sport fishing for species
other than rockfish.

COASTAL RESOURCES DIVISION

Jacob N. Lima, Director
Telephone: 974-2784

The Coastal Resources Division administers the
Coastal Zone Management Program. In 1973, the
Governor designated the Department of Natural
Resources as the agency authorized to receive and
administer federal grants pursuant to the federal
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. In 1978,
the Governor, by Executive Order, stated that the
Coastal Zone Management Program constitutes
State policy with regard to activities in Mary-
land's coastal areas. The Program is based upon
the laws, regulations, authorities, expertise, and
perspectives of six State Departments (Agricul-
ture, Health and Mental Hygiene, Housing and
Community Development, Natural Resources,
State Planning, Transportation), sixteen coastal
counties and Baltimore City, two regional plan-
ning agencies, and numerous federal agencies.

The Coastal Resources Division administers the
Coastal Zone Management Program with grants
from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad-
ministration. The Division's primary function is
to coordinate the many Program participants, en-
suring that all State and federal actions are con-
sistent with the State's coastal resources policy.
The Division provides technical and financial as-
sistance to local governments and State agencies,