Its mission is: to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth's aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities.

[1] Created by a law that was signed on March 23, 1866 by Governor Andrew Curtin, this state agency's main purpose was to restore fish migrations of American shad within the rivers.

Ten members make up the Board of Commissioners who oversee all operations, serving 8-year terms without pay.

Because the agency is a commission, the revenues it collects from license purchases directly benefits the protection and conservation of aquatic resources.

The agency is not supported by general fund state-tax money, but the Commission does receive a portion of federal excise taxes through sporting goods and marine fuel taxation.