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VDGIF HONORED WITH NATIONAL SPORT FISH RESTORATION AWARD
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Richmond, Virginia - The Fisheries Administrators Section of the American Fisheries Society (AFS) presented the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) with the 2008 Sport Fish Restoration Outstanding Project Award, in the category of "Research and Surveys," at the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries meeting in Richmond today. The project, entitled "Restoration and Enhancement of the New River Walleye Fishery" has been a multi-year partnership between fisheries biologists with VDGIF and researchers from Virginia Tech. The Annual Sport Fish Restoration Outstanding Project Awards are intended to both highlight the importance and effectiveness of the Sport Fish Restoration Program and to recognize excellence in fisheries management. Only three of these awards are given nationally every year.

"Receiving this award is an excellent way to recognize and honor years of dedicated research and field work to manage and to improve the unique walleye fishery of the New River," stated VDGIF's Director of Fisheries Gary Martel. "This project has truly been a team effort among our fisheries biologists, hatchery workers, and researchers at Virginia Tech, with much of the success built on the professional leadership of VDGIF Fisheries Biologists George Palmer and Joe Williams," added Martel.

The New River in Virginia is nationally renowned for its smallmouth bass fishery, but a limited walleye fishery also existed for many years. Occasional catches of large walleye by anglers had resulted in several state records, and fisheries surveys periodicallyr />

"This project was funded with state fishing license dollars and Federal Sport Fish Restoration Program funds, and we are very proud that it has been recognized nationally," Martel continued.

The Sport Fish Restoration Program also known as the Dingell-Johnson or Wallop-Breaux Program, after its primary Congressional sponsors, is funded by an excise tax collected on fishing tackle, boats and motorboat fuel. The program revenues are then returned to the states to enhance fisheries management and boating programs.

The AFS Fisheries Administrators Section's Annual Awards Program helps identify and showcase outstanding fisheries management projects from across the country and generates continued support for the Sport Fish Restoration Program.

More information about the walleye restoration work on the New River, and the Sport Fish Restoration Program, can be found on the Department's website (www.dgif.virginia.gov) along with updates, biologist's reports, news and information to keep anglers informed on other fisheries projects across Virginia.

It is the mission of the VDGIF to maintain optimum populations of all species to serve the needs of the Commonwealth; to provide opportunity for all to enjoy wildlife, inland fish, boating and related outdoor recreation and to work diligently to safeguard the rights of the people to hunt, fish and harvest game as provided for in the Constitution of Virginia; to promote safety for persons and property in connection with boating, hunting and fishing; to provide educational outreach programs and materials that foster an awareness of and appreciation for Virginia's fish and wildlife resources, their habitats, and hunting, fishing, and boating opportunities.

Media Contact<br />
Gary Martel (804) 367-1004 or gary.martel@dgif.virginia.gov

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