ASA-Supported MAPOceans Act Passes U.S. Senate
Last week, the Modernizing Access to our Public Oceans (MAPOceans) Act passed the U.S. Senate by unanimous vote. Originally introduced by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Angus King (I-ME), the MAPOceans Act will direct the standardization, consolidation, and digitization of boating and recreational fishing information for federally managed marine waters and federal fisheries administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Companion legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Russell Fry (R-SC) and Mike Levin (D-CA).
Click the link below to read the joint press release between ASA, TRCP and other partners.
ASMFC Proposes New Seasonal Closures for Striped Bass
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has proposed a 12% reduction for the recreational sector, which is likely to take the form of “no targeting” closures, which prohibit anglers from fishing for striped bass altogether, whether harvesting fish or practicing catch-and-release. These new seasonal closures lack scientific justification – fishing mortality is at a 30-year low thanks to slot limits and strict seasons already in place.
The time to speak up is now! Click the link below and tell the ASMFC to oppose unnecessary closures and protect access for recreational striped bass fishing.
Everglades Progress Means Healthier Waters for Florida Anglers and Sportfishing Industry
Florida has broken ground on the Blue Shanty Flow Way project—part of the state’s new fast-track agreement with the U.S. Army Corps—to restore water flow from the EAA Reservoir into Everglades National Park and Florida Bay. The Flow Way will enable more natural, clean water to flow southward, resulting in improved habitat, healthier estuaries and fisheries, and more stable water quality and flows. With nearly $8 billion invested since 2019 and 75+ restoration projects underway or complete, Florida is delivering restoration at scale that supports both environmental goals and the state’s $11.1 billion recreational fishing industry.
Click below to read the full press release from Gov. DeSantis.
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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