Your weekly look at how ASA’s government affairs team is hard at work supporting sound fisheries policies throughout the country.
America’s Outdoor Recreation Act Passes Out of Committee
On May 17, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted in favor of the America’s Outdoor Recreation Act, sending the legislation to the full Senate. The bill is a package of outdoor recreation legislation that will expand access to activities on public lands, allowing generations of Americans to participate in recreational fishing and other activities for years to come. We highlighted how the bill benefits sportfishing on our blog, and urge readers to send a message through Keep America Fishing asking your senators to cosponsor the bill! Send a Message
Minnesota Environmental Funding Bill Does Not Include Lead Tackle Restrictions
Late last week, the Minnesota House and Senate passed an omnibus environment, natural resources, climate and energy finance bill. ASA was pleased to see the final negotiated bill did not contain any language to restrict lead fishing tackle. The original House version included language that would have prohibited the use of lead fishing sinkers in metro area native swan habitats. The bill, which is expected to be signed into law by the Governor this week, includes $1,000,000 for a voluntary “lead tackle reduction program” that provides outreach, education, and opportunities to safely dispose of and exchange lead tackle throughout the state. Learn more
California Fish and Game Commission Finalizes Salmon Closures
On May 17, the California Fish and Game Commission unanimously approved a full salmon season closure in the Klamath River Basin and Central Valley rivers. In anticipation of an uptick in the popularity of the California halibut fishery, the Commission also reduced the daily bag limit for California halibut from three to two. During the meeting, the Commission received public testimonies that were largely in favor of these decisions. Learn more on the challenges surrounding west coast salmon fishing on our blog. Learn more
ASA Urges EPA to Enact Low Volume/Minor Use Waiver for Rotenone
ASA and other fisheries conservation organizations sent a letter to the EPA urging the agency to approve a Low Volume/Minor Use waiver for the use of rotenone. Rotenone is a common piscicide used by land and water managers for a variety of activities, including the removal of aquatic invasive species. The EPA is proposing a 21-day study on the neurological effects of rotenone, which is both unnecessary due to a lack of a safety risk and is not economically feasible. Learn more
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.