Speak Up for Recreational Access to Atlantic Striped Bass
On December 16th, the Striped Bass Management Board of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) will meet to consider proposed adjustments to the 2025 management measures, with a focus on the impact of amended seasons.
We need your support – make your voice heard and tell the Striped Bass Management Board to protect recreational fishing access. Comments are due December 10th by 11:59 PM so don’t delay.
Register for ASA Webinar on International Trade and Excise Tax
On Wednesday, December 18 at 3 pm ET, ASA will host a webinar with ASA’s new international trade consulting firm Sorini, Samet & Associates to discuss looming international trade issues likely to affect the sportfishing industry. Topics discussed will include tariffs, de minimis imports, excise tax collection and more. Given the potential implications of these complex issues on your business, you won’t want to miss this ASA member-exclusive webinar! Click the link below to register.
ACE Reauthorization Act Passes House of Representatives
The House of Representatives passed the America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act (H.R. 8811). The ACE Reauthorization Act, sponsored by Reps. Rob Wittman (R-VA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), and Mike Thompson (D-CA) in the House, and Sens. Tom Carper (D-DE) and Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV) in the Senate (S. 3791), reauthorizes multiple sportfishing industry priorities.
“The sportfishing industry is thrilled that the House passed the ACE Reauthorization Act by an overwhelming 366 – 21 margin,” said Mike Leonard, Vice President of Government Affairs at the American Sportfishing Association. “We extend our sincere thanks to the sponsors of this bill and will continue to work hard to ensure the bill gets enacted before the end of the year.”
Read our full press release below.
Senate Reaches Agreement on 2024 Water Resources Development Act
Last week, House and Senate lawmakers announced they had reached a conference agreement on the 2024 Water Resources Development Act. The biennial package authorizes Army Corps of Engineers projects and includes several ASA priorities, such as the reauthorization of programs to mitigate the impacts of aquatic invasive species like invasive Carp, the creation of a database with information on USACE recreation sites and their current operational status, and expanded abilities to enter into joint management agreements on recreation facilities. Congress will vote on the package this week.
Click the link below to learn more about ASA’s WRDA priorities from a previous blog.
ASA Joins Conservation Partners in Calling on Congress to Pass Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024
Last week, ASA joined Trout Unlimited and other conservation partners in calling on Congress to pass legislation that would create a pragmatic solution to address abandoned hardrock mines that are negatively impacting water quality and fish habitat and pose dire risks to drinking water for many communities. S.2718/H.R.7779 creates a pilot program under the EPA that would allow up to 15 low-risk restoration projects to clean up abandoned mines while limiting the liability of the entities that take on these projects.
The U.S. Senate approved the bill by unanimous consent, and it was passed by voice vote in the House’s Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill is expected to be taken up on the House floor tomorrow. Click below to read the full letter.
About
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 55 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 nearly $50 billion in retail sales with a $125 billion impact on the nation’s economy creating employment for 800,000 people.
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