The Politics of Fish

Understanding Fishing Equipment Federal Excise Tax Obligations Aug 24, 2023

On this special edition episode, we’re talking taxes! Specifically, the federal excise tax on fishing equipment, which is paid by manufacturers and importers of fishing tackle and goes into the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. These funds are then used on projects to create more and better fishing opportunities, like habitat restoration, maintaining fish hatcheries and building boat ramps. ASA recently held a webinar with a couple of experts in excise tax compliance to walk through the nuances of how fishing tackle companies can ensure they are meeting their excise tax obligations. What's provided here is the audio from that webinar.

Learn more about the federal excise tax on sportfishing equipment at https://asafishing.org/sportfish-restoration-excise-tax/

For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy, visit: https://asafishing.org

Growing a Sportfishing Business in a Rural Community with Josh Phillips Aug 03, 2023

Josh Phillips, Owner and President of Spawn Fly Fish, joins host Mike Leonard to talk about his background, his experience starting a fly shop in the small town in coastal Washington of Ilwaco, and recently testifying before the Small Business Committee in the US House of Representatives. The hearing focused on the challenges of small business entrepreneurs in rural areas, and Josh provided some insightful testimony on issues that people in more populated areas may take for granted, like broadband access, local banking options and the high cost of essential services. He was also able to make the connection of the importance of sustainable natural resources and fishing businesses like his.

Learn more about Spawn Fly Fish at https://spawnflyfish.com , and follow Josh's impressive Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/fishingjosh/

For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit: https://asafishing.org

Shark Conservation and Depredation with Dr. Kesley Banks Jul 20, 2023

Dr. Kesley Banks with the Harte Research Institute at Texas A&M Corpus Christi joins host Mike Leonard to talk about sharks, and specifically shark depredation. Kesley shares insights on the overall state of shark populations in the U.S., what’s contributing to increases in shark depredation and what she and other researchers are doing to better understand the issue.

Learn more about shark depredation, and recently introduced federal legislation to help address the challenge at www.asafishing.org/shark-encounters

Learn more about the Harte Research Institute at www.harteresearch.org

Momentum Building for Fisheries Legislation in Congress Jul 06, 2023

Podcast host Mike Leonard discusses three bills recently introduced in Congress that impact a wide range of recreational fishing policy issues. First is the Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act, a bill referenced in a recent podcast episode that will help introduce more kids, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to fishing. Next, a bill titled the SHARKED Act that will mitigate the increasing challenge of shark depredation - when a shark eats your catch before you can land it. Finally, Leonard discusses the Protecting Whales, Human Safety and the Economy Act, which would prevent a disastrous new rule from going into effect that would effectively shut down the Atlantic coast to boating for half the year, until technology comes on board that can better help avoid whale strikes.

To learn more and to contact your Members of Congress in support of these bills, visit https://asafishing.org/advocacy/keep-america-fishing/

The Importance of Youth Fishing Opportunities with Mike Lum Jun 14, 2023

Mike Lum, Fundraising Coordinator for Captain Rollo’s Kids at Sea program, talks with host Mike Leonard about his work organizing youth fishing trips. The trips are designed to connect youth with no prior fishing experience to the sport. Lum shares stories of the life-changing power of fishing and explains how the program fosters the next generation of anglers.

A recently reintroduced bill, the Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act, would ensure that more programs like Captain Rollo’s Kids at Sea receive federal funding.

To learn more about the bill visit: https://asafishing.org/youth-fishing-program-act/

For more information on Captain Rollo’s Kids at Sea program visit: https://captainrollos.org/

For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit: https://asafishing.org/

Fisheries in the Farm Bill with Chris Horton May 25, 2023

Chris Horton, Senior Director, Fisheries Policy at the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF), speaks with host Mike Leonard about how the Farm Bill can benefit fisheries. CSF and ASA have been leading partners in a new initiative called Fisheries in the Farm Bill, which amplifies the value of Farm Bill conservation programs for fisheries. Farm Bill is one of the federal government's largest investments in conservation, and includes efforts that contribute to clean water, healthy fish habitat, and fishing access.

To learn more about CSF visit: https://congressionalsportsmen.org/

For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit: https://asafishing.org/

Rebuilding Striped Bass with David Sikorski May 10, 2023

David Sikorski, Executive Director of Coastal Conservation Association Maryland and Legislative Proxy for the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), spoke with host Mike Leonard about a recent striped bass management action. Sikorski describes what the action means for the long-term regulatory stability and striped bass conservation.

To learn more about striped bass management, listen to our previous episode: "ASA's Mike Waine Talks Striped Bass"

For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit: https://asafishing.org/

And finally, to learn more about the topics discussed in todays episode, visit: https://www.ccamd.org/ and http://www.asmfc.org/

Confronting Menhaden Reduction Fishing with Steve Atkinson Apr 27, 2023

In the summer of 2022, several net spills in the Chesapeake Bay created some momentum in the Virginia Marine Resources Commission to do something about the many problems associated with commercial menhaden fishing. The result was a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that describes certain areas and times of the year where purse seine fishing for menhaden will be prohibited.

Steve Atkinson, President of the Virginia Saltwater Sportfishing Association, provides background on what led to the MOU, what is and is NOT expected to come from the MOU and what more needs to be done to address conservation concerns.

For more ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://asafishing.org/

California Salmon with Marc Gorelnik Apr 13, 2023

Marc Gorelnik wears many hats. He is General Counsel for ASA and involved with various California fishing organizations including Coastal Conservation Association of California, Coastside Fishing Club and Golden State Salmon Association. Water challenges, from drought to agricultural usage, are harming salmon populations. Gorelnik and the organizations he works with fight to conserve salmon facing a dire future.

For more ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://asafishing.org/

Combating Aquatic Invasive Species with Connor Bevan Mar 30, 2023

Connor Bevan, ASA's Inland Fisheries Policy Manager, talks with host Mike Leonard about improving aquatic invasive species (AIS) management and policy. AIS alter natural ecosystem, reduce biodiversity and degrade waterways. All of this amounts to impacts on fishing opportunities. ASA and several partners released a report recently with recommendations for improving prevention, eradication, control and mitigation of AIS. This is the first step in the process to combat AIS and improve fisheries.

For more ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://asafishing.org/

Testifying Before Congress with Martha Guyas Mar 10, 2023

On March 8, 2023, ASA's Southeast Fisheries Policy Director, Martha Guyas, testified on the importance of sound fisheries policy before the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries. The oversight hearing, titled, “Benefits and Access: The Necessity for Multiple Use of Water on Resources,” included discussion on the multiple needs and benefits of water resources throughout the United States, including fishing and fishery-related topics. Guyas began by showcasing the various ways that fishing benefits conservation, jobs and the U.S. economy. See ASA's press release to learn more.

In conversation with host, Mike Leonard, Guyas describes the experience of testifying before Congress and all of the prep that went into providing written and oral testimony.

For more ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://asafishing.org/

Improving Water Quality and Habitat with Kellie Ralston Feb 27, 2023

Kellie Ralston, Vice President for Conservation and Public Policy at Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT), talks with host Mike Leonard about the top conservation issues facing bonefish, tarpon and permit, including Everglades restoration, water quality and habitat.

To learn more about BTT's work, visit: https://www.bonefishtarpontrust.org/

For more ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://asafishing.org/

Getting to Know BoatU.S. with Chris Edmonston Feb 01, 2023

Chris Edmonston, President of the BoatU.S. Foundation and Vice President of Government Affairs at BoatU.S., talks with host Mike Leonard about BoatU.S. Edmonston details his career background, the three different corporate entities of BoatU.S. and the role of government affairs in ensuring fishing and boating access.

To learn more about BoatU.S. visit https://www.boatus.com/ and https://www.boatus.org/

For more ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://asafishing.org/

Novel Halibut Quota Approach in Alaska with Andy Mezirow Jan 19, 2023

Charter Captain and Member of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, Andy Mezirow, led efforts to reform the halibut quota system in the Gulf of Alaska. In conversation with host, Mike Leonard, Mezirow details why the charter sector was willing to buy halibut from the commercial and explains how the Recreational Quota Entity, which facilitates the purchase and transfer of quota, works.

At the end of 2022, funding for the Alaskan halibut catch-share program was passed as part of the omnibus spending bill. Compensated reallocation in Alaska will allow the recreational sector to acquire more quota, enhancing opportunity and access. This is a novel approach and the rest of the country is watching to see how it plays out.

For more ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://asafishing.org/

Driftnet Modernization Law with Theresa Labriola Jan 05, 2023

Theresa Labriola, Pacific Fisheries Program Director at Wild Oceans, talks to host Mike Leonard about California's drift gill net fishery and the recent legislative success of the Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act. The conversation provides context on the fishery's history and the advocacy efforts that led to the passage of the new law and the phase out of destructive gear.

To learn more about Wild Oceans, visit their website: https://wildoceans.org/

For more ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://asafishing.org/

Advancing Federal Marine Fisheries Policy with Jeff Angers Dec 20, 2022

President of the Center for Sportfishing Policy (CSP), Jeff Angers talks with host Mike Leonard about the importance of bringing various stakeholders together to advance federal marine fisheries policy. Angers details the creation of CSP, some of CSP's policy successes, and the major issues facing the marine recreational community.

To learn more about CSP visit https://www.sportfishingpolicy.com/

Policy issues discussed in episode:

Modern Fish Act
Mid-Atlantic harvest control rule
Gulf and South Atlantic red snapper managment
Right Whale vessel speed restrictions

For more ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://asafishing.org/

Sportsmen Working Together with Whit Fosburgh Dec 05, 2022

Whit Fosburgh is the president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP). In conversation with host Mike Leonard, Fosburgh details TRCP's founding and the importance of bringing the sportsmen community together to work on big picture issues.

To learn more about TRCP visit https://www.trcp.org/

For more ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

How the Midterm Elections Impact Fishing with George Cooper Nov 17, 2022

George Cooper, Partner at Forbes-Tate Partners, provides an overview of the midterm elections and how the results impact the recreational fishing community. In conversation with host, Mike Leonard, Cooper also details his professional background and why he likes working with ASA and the recreational fishing industry.

For more ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

Giving Back to the Resource with Bill Shedd Nov 03, 2022

Bill Shedd, Chairman and CEO of American Fishing Tackle Company (AFTCO), spoke with host Mike Leonard about his background, the importance of giving back to the resource and the changes he has seen over the years in approaches to marine conservation.

On Thursday, October 27, Shedd was presented with the inaugural Gary J. Zurn Conservation Award at the 2022 ASA Sportfishing Summit. The award is named for long-time ASA supporter and Government Affairs committee Chair, Gary Zurn, who passed unexpectedly in August 2021. Like Zurn, Shedd has worked tirelessly to conserve fisheries, benefiting anglers and the industry.

For more ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

Keep Florida Fishing with Gary Jennings Oct 21, 2022

Gary Jennings, ASA's Keep Florida Fishing Director, talks with Host Mike Leonard about how he ensures recreational fishing thrives in Florida. During their discussion, Jennings describes his background, the formation of Keep Florida Fishing and the development of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary restoration blueprint.

For more ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

Chairman Phil Lillo on the Importance of ASA Oct 05, 2022

Phil Lillo, CEO/Owner of the Don Coffey Company, is ASA's new Board of Directors Chairman. Lillo assumed the role on October 1, 2022. While visiting Washington D.C., Lillo found the time to meet with host, Mike Leonard to talk about his start in the industry and involvement in ASA.

For more ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

Federal Legislative Update and South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Meeting Recap Sep 30, 2022

Podcast host and ASA Vice President of Government Affairs, Mike Leonard, provides an update on federal legislative activity, highlighting two recently introduced bills: The Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act and the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act. After the update, Leonard talks with ASA Southeast Fisheries Policy Director, Martha Guyas, about South Atlantic red snapper. Guyas gives a rundown of a recent South Atlantic Fishery Management Council meeting, where bottom fishing closures for red snapper were discussed.

Take action of the issues mentioned in this episode:

Voice your support for Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act here.
Voice your support for the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act here.

Learn more about red snapper here.

For more ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

Implications of Proposed Right Whale Regulation with John DePersenaire Sep 12, 2022

John DePersenaire of Viking Yachts spoke with host Mike Leonard about a proposed regulation to limit vessel speeds along a vast swath of the Atlantic coast. The proposed regulation, in NOAA Fisheries' words, "would expand mandatory speed restrictions to include vessels 35 to 65 feet long and broaden seasonal speed restriction zones." NOAA Fisheries said the proposed changes are part of the federal agency's attempt to protect endangered North Atlantic right whales.

The recreational fishing community fully supports protecting North Atlantic right whales, but believes there are far more effective ways to help the species. Speed restrictions are difficult to enforce and vessel strikes are incredibly rare. This regulation would negatively impact various stakeholders, including the recreational fishing and boating community, while likely doing little to help North Atlantic right whales in a meaningful way.

Submit comments on the rule here.

For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

National Fish Habitat Partnership with Ed Schriever Aug 24, 2022

Ed Schriever, Executive Director of Idaho Department of Fish & Game, spoke with host Mike Leonard about the National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP), which enhances fish and aquatic communities through partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation and improve the quality of life for the American people. Leonard is a member of the NFHP board and Schriever is Chairman. The board plays an integral role advancing the partnership. Since 2006, NFHP has funded 1200 projects around the country that improve the health of aquatic systems. In this episode, Schriever gives an overview of what NFHP is about, it's history and opportunities to scale the program up in the future.

For more information about NFHP, visit the website at https://www.fishhabitat.org/

Contact Ed Schriever (ed.schriever@idfg.idaho.gov) or Mike Leonard (mleonard@asafishing.org) if you want to get involved.

For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

Unpacking Atlantic Menhaden Challenges with Chris Moore Aug 11, 2022

Chris Moore, Senior Regional Ecosystem Scientist at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), talks with host Mike Leonard about Atlantic Menhaden. As Moore says, "Menhaden is one I always tell people you can write a book on very easily." Leonard and Moore cover a lot of ground in this episode. Moore provides insight into the science, commercial harvest history, and management challenges concerning Atlantic Menhaden.

To learn more about the Chesapeake Bay Foundation visit https://www.cbf.org/

For more info on Atlantic Menhaden visit https://www.cbf.org/about-the-bay/more-than-just-the-bay/chesapeake-wildlife/menhaden/index.html and https://keepamericafishing.org/menhaden/

For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

Latest Numbers and Trends on Fishing Participation with Dave Chanda Jul 28, 2022

The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) is a national non-profit that works, in partnership with industry and government, to increase participation in recreational boating and fishing. RBFF President/CEO, Dave Chanda, spoke with host, Mike Leonard, about the latest numbers and trends on fishing participation. One of the exciting areas of growth highlighted in RBFF's annual report was a record increase in participation among women. Chanda touched on this and other exciting areas of growth. He also addressed some of the challenges identified in the report.

To learn more about RBFF's work, visit https://www.takemefishing.org/

To read their annual report, visit https://annualreports.takemefishing.org/

For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

Proposed Legislation Undermining Wildlife Conservation with Kaden McArthur Jul 14, 2022

Kaden McArthur, Government Relations Manager at Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA), speaks with host Mike Leonard about a recent bill that would undermine the Wildlife Restoration Program, which exists thanks to the federal excise tax on firearms and ammunition.

Rep. Andrew Clyde (GA-09) and 53 cosponsors introduced the RETURN our Constitutional Rights Act, which would eliminate the federal excise tax on firearms and ammunition. Hunters and the firearms industry lobbied for the creation of this excise tax, authorized in 1937, making the proposed elimination puzzling. While the proposed legislation offers a replacement for the tax, the replacement would be a cut to recent levels of funding.

All this is to say, don't mess with a good thing - a highly popular user-funded conservation model that hunters and anglers are passionate about. Luckily, McArthur and Leonard don't think this bill will gain much traction.

This bill does not make any changes to the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, however, the precedent it sets underscores the importance of organizations, like ASA and BHA, having a presence on Capitol Hill to represent the interests of hunters and anglers.

For more about BHA visit their website and listen to their podcast here.

For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

Red Snapper Management with ASA's Martha Guyas Jul 01, 2022

ASA's Southeast Fisheries Policy Director, Martha Guyas, talks with host Mike Leonard about red snapper management in the Gulf and South Atlantic. Guyas explains the why there is frustration and mistrust between anglers and managers, particularly the federal government. At the same time, Guyas offers a glimmer of hope highlighting the record abundance and potential for better recreational access and management in the future.

To learn more about red snapper and the access challenges anglers face, visit Keep America Fishing.

For more ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit ASA's website.

Sportfishing Spotlight: An Insider’s Guide to the Critical Policy and Legislative Issues Affecting our Industry Jun 17, 2022

This special edition of the podcast is a recording of the webinar, "Sportfishing Spotlight: An Insider’s Guide to the Critical Policy and Legislative Issues Affecting our Industry," which aired on June 16, 2022. You can also watch a recording of the webinar on ASA's YouTube channel.

Hosted by ASA’s VP of Government Affairs Mike Leonard, the webinar features the entire ASA Government Affairs team as they discuss the top national and regional issues affecting the sportfishing industry. In addition, the webinar includes an exclusive preview of the midterm elections by ASA lobbyist and political expert George Cooper of Forbes-Tate Partners. The webinar concludes with an interactive question-and-answer session.

For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

Putting An End to Pebble Mine in Alaska's Iconic Bristol Bay with Sam Snyder May 27, 2022

Sam Snyder of the Wild Salmon Center talks with host Mike Leonard about the economic, cultural, and environmental importance of Alaska's Bristol Bay fishery. It is the last great sockeye salmon fishery of its kind, in addition to being home to rainbow trout, bears, and more of Alaska's incredible wildlife.

Pebble Mine is a proposed copper and gold mine that would be built at the headwaters of Bristol Bay. It is estimated that about 96% of the material mined would be considered waste. With so much waste, the threat of damaging acid mine drainage and further degradation of this habitat is predicted. Conserving the habitat is critical because it is spawning ground for salmon. Likewise, damage to the watershed could damage the economy, as Bristol Bay is a major worldwide fishing destination.

The EPA is expected to set restrictions on Bristol Bay that would make it impossible for Pebble Mine or any other large-scale mining operation to operate. This is exciting news that would protect Bristol Bay once and for all.

Take action to conserve Bristol Bay's iconic fishery by visiting the Wild Salmon Center and Keep America Fishing. By adding your name to these support letters, you will encourage the EPA to act urgently.

Recovering America's Wildlife Act with Kurt Thiede May 19, 2022

Kurt Thiede, Government Affairs Director at the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (AFWA), talks with host Mike Leonard about a once-in-a-generation wildlife bill, Recovering America's Wildlife Act (RAWA), and the ongoing implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Born and raised in Wisconsin, Thiede worked with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for 18 years. Before starting with AFWA, Thiede served as the Regional Administrator for the United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 5. His experience working at the state and federal level makes Thiede especially attuned to the needs of North America's fish and wildlife agencies. Among AFWA's top policy priorities is RAWA, which would dedicate $1.3 billion to state wildlife agencies to implement science-based recovery plans. An additional $97.5 million would go to Tribal agencies. These conservation and restoration efforts will help ensure fish and wildlife species do not become endangered, saving tax dollars along the way by avoiding expensive "emergency-room" actions. In the process, cleaner waters and healthier fish habitat will be generated, ultimately benefitting fishing opportunities.

For more information about RAWA visit https://keepamericafishing.org/recovering-americas-wildlife-act/ and https://ournatureusa.com/

For more information about AFWA visit https://www.fishwildlife.org/

And for ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://asafishing.org/

Giving Back to the Sport with Jesse Simpkins May 06, 2022

Jesse Simpkins is Vice President of Marketing at St. Croix Rods and the chair of ASA's Board of Directors. Simpkins' love for fishing began in childhood. Both of his grandfathers fished and shared their love of the sport with him. Before he entered the sportfishing industry, Simpkins was asked during a job interview what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. Without skipping a beat, Simpkins said he wanted to be paid to talk about fishing and hunting. Fast forward a few years and Simpkins achieved that goal by working at Plano. After many years and a great career with Plano, Simpkins left for an opportunity at St. Croix Rods.

Simpkins doesn't have a lot of time for people who just sit and talk about sportfishing policy. He wants to see engagement. Practicing what he preaches, Simpkins has dedicated his time and energy to advancing sportfishing and sportfishing policy with ASA. In conversation with host, Mike Leonard, Simpkins discusses the importance of engagement and bringing the sportfishing community together through ASA.

For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

Bringing Together the Outdoor Recreation Industry with Jessica Turner of ORR Apr 29, 2022

The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) is a coalition of outdoor recreation trade associations. By bringing together various outdoor recreation stakeholders from recreational fishing to the RV and education communities and beyond, ORR promotes the growth of the whole outdoor recreation economy and outdoor recreation activities.

Jessica (Wahl) Turner is ORR's President. After graduating from Georgetown University, Turner started her outdoor recreation career at the Department of Interior where she managed external relations for the Secretary, as well as First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Outside and Let’s Move! in Indian Country initiatives. Before leading ORR, Turner directed the Outdoor Industry Association’s (OIA) outdoor recreation portfolio in Washington D.C. Under Turner's leadership, ORR has successfully brought together the outdoor recreation industry and advocated for the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act and achieved millions of dollars in funding for public lands, waters and rural gateway communities.

In conversation with host, Mike Leonard, Turner discusses her career, the importance of bringing together the outdoor recreation industry, and ORR's diversity, equity and inclusion initiative, Together Outdoors.

For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

Gulf Menhaden Management with Chris Macaluso Apr 07, 2022

Chris Macaluso is the Center for Marine Fisheries Director for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP). He works with partner organizations to advance habitat restoration efforts across the Gulf of Mexico and improve federal fisheries management law and policy.

Menhaden are an integral part of the food web for sportfish and the largest volume fishery in the Gulf of Mexico. Management of the fishery, however, has been lax. Macaluso talks with host, Mike Leonard, about why conservation-based management is needed and provides an update on state legislation in Louisiana.

If you are interested in Gulf menhaden advocacy, you can contact Macaluso at cmacaluso@trcp.org

You can view images of menhaden fishing in the Gulf here.

For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

Meet Larry Phillips, ASA's New Pacific Fisheries Policy Director Mar 28, 2022

Based in Olympia, Washington, ASA's new Pacific Fisheries Policy Director, Larry Phillips, brings 20 years of experience at Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and a love of recreational fishing to the job. While at WDFW, Phillips served as Region 6 Director, managing ocean fisheries policy issues, working to improve public access to fisheries and helping implement state laws and federal regulations relating to fisheries. In his free time, Phillips fishes and crabs on the lower Columbia River with his family.

Read ASA's press release about Phillips' hire here.

For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

30x30's Impact on the Sportfishing Community with Chris Horton Mar 11, 2022

Chris Horton is the Senior Director of Fisheries Policy at the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF), an organization dedicated to protecting and advancing hunting, angling, recreational shooting and trapping. In response to the Biden Administration's “America the Beautiful” initiative to conserve 30 percent of national lands and waters by 2030, CSF created the Hunt Fish 30x30 Coalition. The coalition raises awareness about the critical role hunting and fishing play in conservation and advocates for solutions that allow hunting and angling to continue this legacy.

Horton and host Mike Leonard talk about the different ways conservation is being defined to create federal and state 30x30 policies, supporting and undermining the importance of recreational fishing in the process.

For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

Guy Harvey's Marine Conservation and Education Work Feb 24, 2022

Guy Harvey is well known for his depictions of marine life, especially marlin and other sportfish species. Guy's interest in the marine environment, however, extends beyond art to science and conservation. He holds a Ph.D. in fisheries biology and actively supports marine scientific research through the Guy Harvey Research Institute and Guy Harvey Oceanographic Institute at Nova Southeastern University. Similarly, the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundationfunds scientific research and educational programs aimed at conserving the marine environment.

In conversation with host Mike Leonard, Guy discusses his childhood in Jamaica, his foundation's new education initiative and his views on marine conservation.

For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

Rep. Rob Wittman Discusses Politics and Sportfishing Feb 15, 2022

On Tuesday, February 15, the American Sportfishing Association hosted a webinar with U.S. Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA). Representative Wittman is one of Congress’ biggest anglers and has been a champion of recreational fishing and conservation throughout his tenure. He also serves on the House Natural Resources Committee.

In this audio release of the webinar, Rep. Wittman provides us with an inside view into what Congress is doing to advance conservation and sportfishing. Rep. Wittman discusses some current events in U.S. politics, such as manufacturing, supply chain issues and the national implications of the recent Virginia gubernatorial race.

You can also view this conversation on YouTube.

For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/and https://asafishing.org/

ASA's Mike Waine Talks Striped Bass Feb 11, 2022

The American Sportfishing Association's Atlantic Fisheries Policy Director, Mike Waine, talks everything striped bass with host, Mike Leonard. From the life history of striped bass to what's contributing to their decline and the actions fisheries managers are taking to help the species, Waine explains it all.

View the graphics mentioned in this episode, here.

For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visithttps://keepamericafishing.org/and https://asafishing.org/

Dave Bulthuis of Pure Fishing: Loving Work and Getting Involved in Sportfishing Politics Jan 28, 2022

This week's guest is Dave Bulthuis, President of North America for Pure Fishing, the world's largest fishing and tackle company. In the episode, Dave and host, Mike Leonard, discuss a variety of topics, including how Dave got his start in the sportfishing industry and red snapper regulations.

For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

Inaugural Episode: ASA's Strategic Plan and Supporting the Sportfishing Community Jan 14, 2022

In this inaugural episode of The Politics of Fish, host and Vice President of Government Affairs at the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), Mike Leonard sits down with ASA President, Glenn Hughes to talk about the association's strategic plan. Hughes describes how the plan is essential for growing and supporting ASA's work and the recreational fishing industry. Hughes also provides useful suggestions for how folks can get more involved with ASA and the recreational fishing world, such as:

Going to ICAST or the Sportfishing Summit

Subscribing to ASA emails

Following ASA's work at https://keepamericafishing.org/

Thanks for tuning in to our first episode! Please leave us a review or reach out to us with suggestion for future episodes. We look forward to building this podcast with you.

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