Annapolis, MD (October 14, 1998) -- Maryland's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) continues its dedication to easy access to information, user friendliness and on-line customer service with the introduction of several new improvements to its fisheries service web page.

"The new fisheries page was designed to be cleaner, faster loading and easier to navigate," said DNR Secretary John R. Griffin. "With just a few clicks of the mouse, a visitor to the page will be hooked on the latest information about fishing in Maryland."

Found on the world wide web at www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/ the enhanced page provides anglers a one-stop spot for gathering knowledge on Maryland's fish, their health, regulations and techniques on catching them, state fishing records and other related topics.

Among the page's new features are:

A monthly newsletter from DNR Fisheries Service Director Dr. Bob Bachman.

On-line participation in the 1998 cooperative striped bass survey, which helps DNR determine the size of striped bass caught by recreational anglers and supplements existing monitoring programs.

Quick links to a number of regular monthly offerings, including the monthly feature.

A newly revised calendar of events that lists hearings, advisory committee meetings and other events.

The official Maryland Fishing Report is one of the most popular content areas of the DNR website. The report received more than 29,730 visitors last month. But it too, has undergone some changes. The report is now arranged into three categories: ocean, Chesapeake Bay, and freshwater.

And don't forget to check out the illustrated fish species fact sheets. They contain material on the behavior, habitat and feeding habits of fin and shellfish that will help broaden your knowledge of aquatic life.

DNR's website, found at www.dnr.state.md.us is consistently the State of Maryland's most visited website. In September alone, DNR's homepage received more than 621,000 hits. DNR's website contains valuable information about Maryland's natural resources and DNR programs.