ASA Congratulates President Trump on Inauguration, Looks Forward to Advancing Industry Priorities Together
ASA extends our congratulations to President Trump and Vice President Vance on their inauguration yesterday. A strong partnership between elected officials, federal agencies and the recreational fishing community is critical to the success of the sportfishing industry and its $230 billion economic impact on the U.S. economy.
We look forward to working with the new administration to promote the economic benefits of recreational angling, which supports 1.1 million jobs in the U.S. Additionally, we are optimistic that through better data collection, sound science and improved management, we will conserve our natural resources and improve fish habitat. ASA is also encouraged by the opportunity to work with new appointees at NOAA and the Fish & Wildlife Service to expand access to fishing, meaning more days on the water and growth for the industry.
Click the link below to learn more about the recreational fishing community’s policy priorities in 2025 and beyond.
NOAA Proposes Fishing Closure for 55 Species Off Florida Coast
Last week, NOAA Fisheries released Amendment 59 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic that would prohibit bottomfishing for 55 species, including red snapper, off much of the Florida Atlantic coast. This proposed Secretarial Amendment was prepared by NOAA Fisheries as part of a legal agreement that requires the agency to take action to end overfishing of red snapper in the South Atlantic.
“The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is deeply disappointed to see NOAA Fisheries propose this drastic action, which may cause irreparable economic damage to the coastal communities and businesses that rely on recreational fishing, as well as recreational fishing manufacturers and suppliers across the country,” said Martha Guyas, Southeast Fisheries Policy Director for ASA.
Sportfishing Industry Pleased with Withdrawal of Vessel Speed Rule, More Work to be Done
NOAA Fisheries formally withdrew a proposed rule that would have had dire consequences on public access to fishing along much of the eastern seaboard. The North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule, originally published in the Federal Register in 2022, would have limited vessels larger than 35 feet from traveling faster than 10 knots (11.5 mph). The proposed speed restrictions would have governed coastal waters from Massachusetts to Florida and been in effect for roughly half the year.
“ASA is pleased to see the draconian vessel speed rule sent back to NOAA so that we can find a collaborative, long-term solution that effectively mitigates the potential for vessel strikes and incorporates innovative safety technologies,” said Mike Leonard, Vice President of Government Affairs at ASA.
Industry Priorities to Receive Votes in House of Representatives this Week
Congress has only been in session for a few weeks, but Members are already fast-tracking sportfishing industry priorities. Both the SHARKED Act and the MAPWaters Act will receive consideration today under suspension of the rules. Both passed the House during the last Congress and have bipartisan support.
Introduced by Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA), The SHARKED Act directs NOAA to create a task force to reduce shark depredation, or the consumption of a hooked fish before the angler can land their catch. The MAPWaters Act, sponsored by Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT), will standardize and consolidate public mapping data relating to recreational use on Federal waters and lands.
We appreciate Congress taking quick action on these popular bills and look forward to seeing them pass the House in short order.
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.
