On Jan. 18, ASA spearheaded a first-of-its-kind gathering of federal agencies and the sportfishing community to discuss shared priorities and improve dialogue on resource and fisheries management. Roughly 30 representatives joined the inaugural gathering of the Fisheries Community and Federal Agency Network, or Fish & Feds for short, which was hosted at the National Marine Manufacturers Association offices in Washington, D.C.
The primary goals of the workgroup include improving dialogue and relationships, sharing information on policy priorities, and ultimately contributing to the betterment of recreational fishing.
Mike Leonard (VP of government affairs), Connor Bevan (inland fisheries policy manager), and Theresa Weber (policy fellow), represented ASA at the meeting. The group plans to meet again this summer to build upon the success of this initial gathering.
The ASA thanked the agencies, members, and partners below for joining.
Federal agencies in attendance:
- Bureau of Land Management
- National Park Service
- NOAA Fisheries
- NOAA Marine Sanctuaries
- US Fish & Wildlife Service
- US Forest Service
Sportfishing interests in attendance:
- American Sportfishing Association
- Trout Unlimited
- National Marine Manufacturers Association
- BoatUS
- Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
- Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies
- Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership
- Coastal Conservation Association
- Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation
- Bonefish & Tarpon Trust
- Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
- National Wildlife Federation
- Yamaha
