ICAST 2020

Government Affairs – Working for You

ourselves on being the only national trade organization

BECAUSE YOUR VOICE MATTERS We take care of the politics, so you can concentrate on growing your business. Please feel free to contact a Government Affairs staff member with your questions or concerns. YOUR GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS STAFF

Our Government Affairs team focuses not just on the national issues, but regional and state issues as well. We are here for you.

We keep on top of issues that impact recreational

Michael Waine Atlantic Fisheries Policy Director

Mike Leonard Vice President

508-221-5508

We make sure you’re represented in the halls of congress and state capitols. Our job is to navigate the ever-changing political climates and be your voice when laws and policy decisions impact you. We work on today’s issues with an eye to the future. future generations of anglers. No matter if it’s freshwater or saltwater or business issues affecting the sportfishing trade, we know it’s vital to understand what’s important to help the industry thrive and create a great day on the water – clean water, abundant fish and access to both.

Kellie Ralston Southeast Fisheries Policy Director

Chad Tokowicz Inland Fisheries Policy Manager

904-553-3733

Danielle Cloutier, PhD

Josey Cline Policy Fellow

Working in Your Back Yard Here are a few issues we are working on for you –

West Coast • Phasing out mile-long drift gillnets which result in excess amounts of bycatch and replacing them with more sustainable fishing methods • Promoting and supporting salmon conservation efforts for this immensely important recreational fishery Southeast and Gulf Region • Supporting comprehensive efforts to expedite and restore the Everglades which will improve water quality, and fishing, throughout south Florida • Advocating for red snapper management reform throughout the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico • Promoting restoration of the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Tract Trade and Commerce • Helping companies navigate through new China tariffs and requesting exemptions • Supporting reauthorization of the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, and related issues involving the federal excise tax on sportfishing equipment

Freshwater • Combating aquatic invasive species which can

Mid-Atlantic • Ensuring that fishing access and environmental concerns are accounted for in new offshore wind development • Advocating for common sense management of

• Opposing proposed mining near the beautiful Minnesota Boundary Waters, Yellowstone National Park and Bristol Bay (Alaska) • Supporting restoration funding for the iconic Great

• Supporting striped bass conservation through

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