Lake Erie anglers fishing in Pennsylvania waters will be allowed 30 yellow perch and six walleye per day for 2012. On April 20, 2012, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) released its 2012 Lake Erie yellow perch creel limits.

Earlier in 2012, PFBC adopted new regulations establishing adaptive creel limits for walleye and yellow perch based on the annual quotas established by the Lake Erie Committee, which consists of fisheries managers from Pa., Ohio, N.Y., Mich., and Ontario, Canada.

A recent assessment showed that both yellow perch and walleye populations remain stable. Based on this, the creel limits are being held at the 2011 limits.

source:  PFBC

The 2008 Clean Boating Act requires that the EPA draft regulations to reduce water pollution and the spread of invasive species in the nation’s rivers, lakes and other water bodies.

As an alternative to permits required for commercial vessels, the act directs EPA to develop and promulgate management practices for recreational vessels.

To address the issue, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun seeking public comment from boaters and other stakeholders to help develop proposed regulations.

EPA is also seeking information from states that already enact standards to limit the impacts of boat discharges on waterways. According to scientists, boat discharges can cause the spread of several aquatic invasive species.

Across the USA, the EPA is holding listening sessions and conducting webinars to inform interested parties about the Clean Boating Act and receive public input.

More information about the Clean Boating Act: http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/lawsguidance/cwa/vessel/CBA/about.cfm