The decline of our fish and wildlife stocks and loss of natural habitat is one of our industry’s greatest threats. Scientists estimate that one-third of fish and wildlife species in the United States are at risk of becoming threatened or endangered.
Fortunately, legislation has been re-introduced in the U.S. Senate that could remedy this problem.
What’s the Issue
The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act would dedicate $1.4 billion to state and tribal fish and wildlife agencies to implement science-based recovery plans for species that are at most risk of becoming threatened or endangered. These conservation and restoration efforts will help ensure fish and wildlife species recover before an Endangered Species Act listing is required. Not only is this good for fish and wildlife conservation, but it also saves taxpayers money by preventing expensive and regulatory-burdensome ESA requirements from going into effect.
Why It Matters
These conservation and restoration efforts will help ensure fish and wildlife species do not become endangered. In the process, cleaner waters and healthier fish habitat will be generated, ultimately benefiting fishing opportunities.
What ASA is Doing
Ensuring clean waters and abundant fisheries have been core goals of the American Sportfishing Association since day one. As such, ASA has:
- Been part of a coalition of organizations advocating for RAWA’s passage
- Deployed multiple nationwide grassroots advocacy campaigns through its advocacy arm, Keep America Fishing
- In the 117th Congress, the House passed RAWA, but it failed to come to a vote in the Senate
ASA will continue to advocate for RAWA’s passage and work with partners and Senate cosponsors to get this legislation across the finish line.
For more information and suggestions on what actions people can take to help this legislation get passed, click here.
