Message from ASA President Glenn Hughes:
Stay Safe and Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Please watch this message from ASA President Glenn Hughes to you, our members, about the challenges our industry is now facing and how the great outdoors provides a safe space for anglers and all Americans.
ASA Encourages State and Federal Management Agencies to Balance Safety and Access
Recognizing the significant threat that COVID-19 poses to the American public, ASA supports federal and state land management and fisheries agencies modifying their policies to ensure the safety of their employees and the public. Additionally, ASA supports efforts by the agencies to:
• Encourage the public to pursue reasonable and responsible fishing activities. Fishing provides an excellent opportunity for individuals to get outdoors and boost their physical and mental health in a way that doesn’t necessitate close contact with others.
• Keep fishing access sites open to the public as much as possible and make information on facility openings and closings widely available and accessible.
• Ensure that the electronic purchase of fishing licenses, boat registrations and other permits are widely promoted and accessible to the public.
Boater Education Protects Florida’s Everglades
Everglades National Park has developed a free, but mandatory, powerboater education course to orient and educate boaters to the unique features of the park’s marine waters.
Nearly everyone operating a motorboat must take the course and obtain a certificate. This includes recreational boaters.
Visit the Everglades National Park Boater Education page on their website.
On the Line: America’s Conservation
Enhancement Act
Take a moment and watch the latest On the Line video with ASA Government Affairs VP Mike Leonard who explains how you can take action in support of America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act.
Last January, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the ACE Act that includes key priorities such as protections for traditional tackle and the authorization of the National Fish Habitat Partnership program. Now it’s the responsibility of the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the ACE Act to help preserve America’s bipartisan conservation legacy.
ASA Honored by Florida State
House of Representatives
ASA recently hosted its annual Government Affairs Committee spring meeting in Tallahassee, Fla. to highlight the significant economic footprint that Florida has on the recreational fishing industry.
Thanks to the work of our members, ASA was honored by Florida State Rep. Holly Raschein on the floor of the Florida House of Representatives. Take a moment to watch the standing ovation for the recreational fishing community.
State-based Resources in Response to COVID-19
The National Association of Manufacturers launched a new webpage to help individuals and businesses navigate the COVID-19 policies and recommendations of each state.
Take a moment and view your state’s latest recommendations to help navigate the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic.
