Friday, March 3, 2017

Sportfishing Industry Applauds Interior's Efforts to Expand Public Access



Alexandria, Va. – March 2, 2017 – Today, newly appointed Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke issued two Secretarial orders to expand access and recognize the impact that sportsmen and women have on the nation's economy.

The first order advances conservation stewardship by directing Interior agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service to identify areas where recreation and fishing can be expanded. Zinke will request input from the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council, of which the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is a key member, in this process.

The second order overturns a ban on lead fishing tackle and ammunition that the former Fish and Wildlife Service Director issued on January 19, the last day of the previous Administration.

ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman along with a number of other outdoor recreation and conservation leaders met with Secretary Zinke to discuss how recreational opportunities can be expanded on public lands and waters. The groups were present when Zinke signed these two pro-outdoor recreation measures.

"ASA and many other outdoor recreation organizations are glad that the new Secretary is an angler and hunter and truly appreciates the importance of the Outdoor Recreation economy," said Nussman. "He understands that public waters and lands belong to all Americans."

Nussman further added, "The sportfishing community is relieved that the ban on fishing tackle has been rescinded. Frankly, it is refreshing to have a Cabinet Secretary from the sporting community setting policy for lands, water, wildlife and fisheries. He understands that conservation and public access are two cornerstones of sound fisheries and wildlife management."




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 46 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 more than $48 billion in retail sales with a $115 billion impact on the nation's economy creating employment for more than 828,000 people.


CONTACT:
Mary Jane Williamson, Communications Director
703-519-9691, x227