For 89 years, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) has advocated on the sportfishing industry’s behalf when legislation, policies or trade decisions are introduced which could have a positive or negative impact on our members’ businesses and our nation’s anglers.
From the passage of major federal legislation to working with state and regional policymakers on important fisheries regulations, ASA is proud of its many achievements to support the sportfishing industry and anglers across the U.S. in 2021.
On the national level, ASA:
- Advocated for a thoughtful approach to conservation that facilitates recreational access as part of the initiative to conserve 30% of all lands and waters by 2030 (aka 30 by 30).
- Ensured that several programs that benefit the sportfishing community were included in the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – namely reauthorization of the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund and authorization of $1 billion to restore the nation’s culverts that block anadromous fish passage.
- Supported introduction in the Senate of the Outdoor Recreation Act, a package of 14 provisions aimed at improving and increasing outdoor recreation opportunities.
- Testified in the U.S. Senate on the state of outdoor tourism and the recreational fishing industry, including the impacts of COVID-19 on businesses and communities.
- Helped secure the Senate’s passage of the Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act which will ban large mesh drift gillnets in Pacific waters.
ASA also made great strides for recreational fishing and conservation throughout the regional, state and local levels in 2021. These accomplishments included:
- Ensuring that stronger conservation goals for Atlantic striped bass were upheld.
- Achieving major milestones towards Everglades restoration.
- Defeating a Minnesota state bill that would have banned most types of lead jigs and sinkers.
In the new year, ASA plans to continue its advocacy efforts to improve the industry and increase conservation. These efforts include:
- Supporting funding and policies at the federal and state level to control, eradicate and manage invasive aquatic species, such as Asian carp, lionfish and zebra mussels.
- Working to advance the Outdoor Recreation Act which will modernize and enhance management of, and access to, our nation’s public lands.
- Advocating for a comprehensive and expedited approach to restore the historic southerly flow of clean water through the Everglades to Florida Bay and prevent the need for damaging releases from Lake Okeechobee to the east and west coasts of Florida.
Go to ASA’s website for more information.