Written by support@webspeakmedia.com• December 18, 2024• 7:26 pm• Scuttlebutt

Your Fisheries Management and Policy Update

ASA Webinar on International Trade and Excise Taxes

On Wednesday, December 18 at 3 pm ET, ASA will host a webinar featuring ASA’s new international trade consulting firm, Sorini, Samet & Associates, to discuss looming international trade issues likely to affect the sportfishing industry. Topics discussed will include tariffs, de minimis imports, excise tax collection and more. Click the link below to register.

Given the potential implications of these complex issues on your business, you won’t want to miss this ASA member-exclusive webinar. Click the link below to register.

New Partner with a Payer Video Highlights Industry Contributions to Conservation

Sport Fish Restoration funds, generated by a federal excise tax on fishing gear and a portion of gasoline taxes attributable to motorboat fuel, play a crucial role in conservation. These funds help state fish and wildlife agencies maintain healthy fish populations, aquatic habitats, and improve public access for fishing and boating.

The newest Partner with a Payer video features ASA member, PRADCO Outdoor Brands, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and shines a light on how this program directly supports conservation and access in the state. Click below to watch.

Watch Here

MAPWaters Act to Receive Vote in the House this Week

The U.S. House of Representatives will vote this week on the Modernizing Access to our Public Waters (MAPWaters) Act (H.R.6127). The bipartisan MAPWaters Act, introduced by Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT), will direct the federal government to digitize water and fishing access, as well as recreational use information, on federal waterways and make those resources readily available to the public on mapping applications. The sportfishing industry and our recreational fishing community partners have been staunch supporters of MAPWaters since its inception and we are encouraged by its late momentum in the 118th Congress.

ASMFC Striped Management Board Makes No Changes to 2025 Seasons

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Striped Bass Management Board voted today to maintain the 2025 Striped Bass Management plan, adhering to recommendations from the sportfishing industry. Atlantic striped bass are currently in a rebuilding plan with a 2029 deadline. New technical committee stock projections show that the current management measures are working to control fishing mortality and achieve rebuilding by the 2029 deadline. This decision gives the Board additional time to evaluate the status of the fishery with complete 2024 landings and make a more informed decision based on feedback from the diverse recreational fishing community ahead of the 2026 fishing season.