ASA’s Martha Guyas to Testify Before Congressional Committee on June 4
This Wednesday, June 4, ASA’s Southeast Fisheries Policy Director, Martha Guyas, will testify before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries. Martha will be speaking about the importance of recreational fishing data as well as the need for abundant access and healthy fisheries, particularly in the Southeastern U.S.
The hearing will begin at 10:15 and will be available to stream online. Click the link below to watch.
EPA Updates PFAS Reporting Requirements
The EPA recently delayed deadlines on its one-time reporting requirements for manufactured and imported PFAS chemicals under TSCA. Deadlines for most manufacturers are now October 13, 2026, while small businesses meeting the EPA’s criteria have until April 13, 2027, to submit reports.
Click the link below to visit our PFAS guidelines and learn more.
Trade Court Rules Against Trump’s Tariff Implementation, Appeals Court Issues Stay
Last week, the U.S. Court of International Trade issued a unanimous decision that the Trump Administration’s imposition of tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) exceeded the President’s delegated authority under the law. It effectively nullifies the collection of fentanyl-related tariffs against products of China; the fentanyl/immigration-related tariffs of 25% imposed against non-originating products of Canada; and the fentanyl/immigration-related tariffs of 25% imposed against non-originating products of Mexico.
Additionally, the decision also precludes the ongoing assessment and collection of reciprocal tariffs imposed on nearly all nations on “Liberation Day.”
A day after the ruling, an Appeals Court issued a stay that allows the tariffs to remain in place while the issue works its way through the legal system.
Be sure to follow ASA’s Trade & Commerce hub for the most up-to-date information.
South Carolina Congressional Delegation Urges State Control of Red Snapper Fishery
Last week, South Carolina’s congressional delegation, led by Congressman Russell Fry (R-Surfside Beach) and joined by U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott and Representatives Joe Wilson, Ralph Norman, Nancy Mace, William Timmons, and Sheri Biggs, formally urged U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to transfer management of the South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishery to the states.
In a joint letter, the delegation expressed “strong support for a new state-led framework to ensure more effective, science-based stewardship” of a fishery at the center of South Carolina’s $6.5 billion recreational boating and fishing industry.
Click below to read the full letter.
NOAA Reduces Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Retention Limits for Private Vessels
On May 29, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced adjustments to the Atlantic bluefin tuna daily retention limits for recreational anglers. The adjusted limits will take effect June 3, 2025 and extend through December 31, 2025. Below is ASA’s official statement on the decision:
ASA is disappointed in NOAA’s revised 2025 retention limits for the bluefin tuna Angling category because of its associated negative economic impacts. These restrictions threaten revenue, jobs, and fishing opportunities for the sportfishing industry — affecting anglers, charter operators, and coastal businesses.
ASA’s review of the 2024 Large Pelagic Survey (LPS) catch estimates for bluefin tuna in the Angling category suggests that the reported quota overage may be an outlier. Specifically, the 2024 LPS estimate indicates 12,482 school-sized bluefin tuna (27″-47″) were landed, a 175% increase over the 7-year average of approximately 4,500 fish. This figure lacks supporting evidence from angler reports and stands in contrast to the Angling category’s consistent compliance with its subquota in 15 of the past 16 years.
To ensure accuracy, ASA calls for a transparent and thorough review of the 2024 LPS estimates through a formal process involving stakeholders and the Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel.
Additionally, the apparent increase in western bluefin tuna availability, as suggested by the 2024 LPS estimates, must also serve as a catalyst for the United States to pursue an increased quota at ICCAT. As the bluefin tuna stock rebuilds, securing additional access is reasonable and necessary to reflect improved stock health and to maximize the fishery’s value to America’s sportfishing economy. ASA remains committed to working with NOAA, ICCAT, and the Trump Administration to develop solutions that accurately reflect the current state of the Atlantic bluefin tuna population and restore fishing access for recreational anglers and the sportfishing industry.
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 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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