Forthcoming Customs Enforcement Changes Will Impact Fishing Tackle Imports
New federal customs policies prescribed in Executive Order 14411: Strengthening Customs Enforcement will significantly affect companies importing fishing equipment, components, and any other products into the United States.
CBP has not yet published all implementation details, but affected companies should begin preparing now. ASA recently hosted a webinar with our trade firm, Sorini, Samet & Associates, discussing the upcoming changes. ASA members can request the slides from this presentation by emailing press@asafishing.org here.
For more information, review Executive Order 14411, CBP’s September 18 enforcement notice and CBP Form 5106.
Urge ASMFC to Strengthen Menhaden Protections in the Chesapeake Bay
This November, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) can strengthen Atlantic menhaden management in the Chesapeake Bay. Maintaining abundant menhaden is both a conservation and economic priority. Menhaden provide critical forage for striped bass, bluefish, red drum, cobia and other sportfish, while also serving as one of the Atlantic Coast’s most important recreational baits.
Menhaden are the foundation of healthy fisheries throughout the Chesapeake Bay and along the Atlantic Coast—and they need your voice.
The public comment period is open through Oct. 9. Click the link below today and tell ASMFC to support science-based Chesapeake Bay menhaden management that recognizes this resource’s importance to healthy fisheries and the recreational fishing economy.
House Natural Resources Committee to Hear Priority Sportfishing Bills this Week
On Tuesday, September 15, the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee will hear three bills that stand to benefit the sportfishing industry.
- The Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act (H.R. 5745) sponsored by Rep. Ezell (R-MS), aims to expand and improve the “Rigs-to-Reefs” program in the Gulf, making it easier to turn decommissioned oil and gas drilling rigs into artificial reefs.
- The Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026 (H.R. 8195), introduced by U.S. Representative Tim Walberg (R-MI), requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop science-based regional management frameworks for overseeing the responsible take of double-crested cormorants to support local fisheries.
- The bipartisan Northwest Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act of 2026 (H.R. 9621) led by Rep. Baumgartner (R-WA) allows for improved management and limited removal of seals and sea lions in Washington state waters to protect endangered salmon.
Click the link below to watch the hearing live on Tuesday at 10:15 AM.
EPA Approves the First Ever Good Samaritan Program Permit for Clean Up at the Bodie Mine Site
On September 9, the, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the first ever Good Samaritan remediation permit for Trout Unlimited Inc. to address contamination at the Bodie Mine site in Wauconda Mining District, Okanogan County, Washington. This is the first of 15 pilot projects under a new program to remediate contamination at abandoned hardrock mines under the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024.
These projects can better protect human health, improve ecological conditions for fish and other wildlife, and support local economies. Work under the permit for Bodie mine will reduce the release of mine-related contaminants and environmental hazards associated with abandoned mine tailings from entering nearby Toroda Creek, which flows adjacent to the Bodie Mine site.
Click here to read our coalition letter in support of the 2024 bill.
FishTalk’s “A Chesapeake Perspective” Series Launches This Week
This Thursday, FishTalk will launch a new series titled “A Chesapeake Perspective,” which will be moderated by Editor-in-Chief Lenny Rudow. The new series will bring together scientists, fisheries managers, industry representatives, anglers, and conservation partners to explain the issues shaping recreational fishing in the Chesapeake Bay and Mid-Atlantic. Part one will feature Mike Waine, ASA’s Atlantic Fisheries Policy Director, who will discuss important challenges and objectives related to fisheries management in the region.
About The American Sportfishing Association
The American Sportfishing Association ((ASA) is the sportfishing industry’s trade association committed to representing the interests of the sportfishing and boating industries as well as the entire sportfishing community. We give the industry and anglers a unified voice when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing itself. ASA invests in long-term ventures to ensure the industry will remain strong and prosperous, as well as safeguard and promote the enduring economic, conservation and social values of sportfishing in America. ASA also gives America’s 57 million anglers a voice in policy decisions that affect their ability to sustainably fish on our nation’s waterways through Keep America Fishing, our national angler advocacy campaign. America’s anglers generate more than $50 billion in retail sales with a $230.5 billion impact on the nation’s economy, creating employment for 1.1 million people.
Discover more from Fishing Tackle Retailer - The Business Magazine of the Sportfishing Industry
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
