Acclaimed stage, screen and TV actress teams with the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation to promote family fishing and boating. The nonprofit Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) has announced that actress and accomplished angler Jane Seymour will serve as honorary chairperson of the sixth annual National Fishing and Boating Week, June 3-11. Seymour will help RBFF promote the many benefits of fishing and boating, and encourage more American families to get out on the water this summer.

"I am very excited to help RBFF because I really believe that fishing is an excellent way for families to spend time together. I know it's had a positive effect on my family and I would not trade anything for the time I spend with my husband and children fishing and boating," said Seymour. "I'm looking forward to sharing our experiences and encouraging others to take their families and friends out on the water."

During National Fishing and Boating Week, communities across the country will host an estimated 2000 events each designed to give families the opportunity to enjoy these great pastimes. This national week of celebration was created to address declining rates of participation that have occurred over the past decade.

Perhaps best known for her starring role on "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman," for which she won a Golden Globe(R) Award, Seymour also won a Golden Globe for her performance in the mini-series "East of Eden" and an Emmy(R) for her role as Maria Callas in "Onassis: The Richest Man in the World." She currently stars in the WB sitcom "Modern Men."

"Jane Seymour is certainly well-known for her many TV and movie roles, but few people know of her love of fishing," said RBFF President Bruce Matthews. "RBFF is honored that she has agreed to be the first woman to serve as chair of National Fishing and Boating Week. She can help us show Americans how fishing can help them relax, unwind and connect to the natural world with their families."

According to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, kids spend an average of 44 hours a week with TV, computers and video games. For parents looking to give their kids an alternative activity the entire family can enjoy, RBFF suggests a day of fishing and boating. RBFF research shows that fishing can help connect kids with nature and improve family communication.

Not only is fishing good for families, but participation is critical to maintaining healthy and productive aquatic environments. The money generated from fishing licenses and special taxes on fishing equipment and motorboat fuel funds approximately 83 percent of state fisheries' management budgets. These funds ensure that fishery resources are well-managed, accessible and conserved for future generations to enjoy.

As honorary chairperson, Seymour will conduct interviews with national media outlets to share her fishing experiences and discuss how outdoor activities such as fishing and boating can help foster a healthy family life.

Seymour's interest in fishing began with her marriage to director/producer James Keach. An avid angler, Keach encouraged Seymour to learn to fish so the two would be able to enjoy fishing together. Since that time, fishing has been a favorite activity for Seymour, Keach and their twin boys, John and Kristopher. The family has fished all over the world and always looks forward to the next time they can be on the water together.