One of the sportfishing and boating community's most ardent supporters, Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK), was honored during an evening reception on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., as part of the National Fishing and Boating Week celebrations which took place nationwide June 2-10. Approximately 300 people attended the June 5 reception.

Stevens' decades of commitment to the nation's natural resources, most specifically for the Act that carries his name, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, passed in 1976.

Senator Stevens has served six terms representing Alaska's citizens and is currently the senior member of the state' congressional delegation. IGFA President Rob Kramer, was among the reception hosts that included the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation.

Stevens was presented with a David Wirth wooden hook sculpture.

Mike Nussman, president and CEO of the ASA, praised Senator Stevens. "In 1976, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act was a milestone in ocean fisheries management. With Senator Stevens' diligence and personal support, its provisions for fisheries resources have been strengthened with each reauthorization including the most recent which was passed by Congress in 2006. There are few times in Washington when one person can be so strongly identified as the pivotal link in the passage of legislation; however, Senator Stevens is that one person and for that we in the fishing and boating community are truly grateful."

Senator Stevens professed his life-long devotion to fishing and also challenged those present to take the Anglers' Legacy pledge and commit to introducing someone new to the sport. "Introduce someone to fishing at least once a year. I do it as often as I can. It's a great sport, and it helps put money into supporting the habitat."

Anglers' Legacy is a program produced by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation.