ICAST 2022 Showguide Digital

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

WORKING FOR YOU At the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) we pride ourselves on being the only national trade organization that represents the entire recreational fishing industry. 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 fishing, so you can focus on growing your business. 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. Providing common sense solutions to fisheries management will have a positive impact not just now, but for future generations of anglers. No matter if it’s freshwater or saltwater, we know it’s vital to understand what’s important to help create a great day on the water - clean water, abundant fish and access to both.

Working in Your Backyard HERE ARE A FEW ISSUES WE ARE WORKING ON FOR YOU

West Coast • Monitoring and engaging in federal drought legislation to ensure salmon and other fish are not harmed by water policies • Opposing the creation of new unwarranted marine reserves or other deterrents to recreational fishing access in California as part of the state’s 30 by 30 initiative • Working to ensure recreational fisheries are not negatively impacted by offshore wind development

Southeast & Gulf Region • Supporting comprehensive efforts to expedite and restore the southerly flow of water to the Everglades, improving 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

Freshwater • Advocating for aquatic invasive species prevention and control which can decimate recreational fish species • Securing conservation funding for crucial freshwater fisheries by passing the Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative Act • Proactively engaging states to defeat unwarranted bans on lead tackle and soft plastics

Mid-Atlantic • Providing the recreational fishing community with a voice in offshore wind development discussions • Advocating for rebuilding the iconic striped bass fishery supported by ecosystem- based management for Atlantic menhaden • Supporting the finalization and implementation of recreational management reform for the region’s coastal fisheries

I CASTfishing.org | ASAfishing.org

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