Policy Watch – Sportfishing Industry Applauds Elimination of Proposed South Atlantic Bottomfishing Closure

2 weeks ago by Chris Munchow

Modified Jun 10th, 2025 at 12:18 PM

Sportfishing Industry Applauds Elimination of Proposed South Atlantic Bottomfishing Closure

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries withdrew the proposed bottomfishing closure from Amendment 59 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic. While much work remains to set South Atlantic red snapper management on a path to sensible management, the sportfishing industry appreciates the decision by NOAA and looks forward to working closely with the Administration and Congress to improve data collection and expand recreational access for South Atlantic reef fisheries.

Click below to read more.

Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Increased to 50%

Last week, President Donald Trump issued a Proclamation to increase tariffs from 25% to 50% on steel and aluminum products and their derivatives listed in yet-to-be-released product Annexes. The higher rate went into effect on goods entered for consumption starting Wednesday, June 4, at 12:01 am EST.

ASA and our international trade firm, Sorini, Samet & Associates, hosted a webinar on Friday afternoon to discuss the latest tariff developments. If you missed the event, you can watch the recording here.

50%

Tariffs on aluminum products rose from 25% to 50% on June 4.

Source: The White House

ASA’s Martha Guyas Testifies on Angler Access and Fisheries Data

Last week, Martha Guyas, Southeast Fisheries Policy Director for the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), testified before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries. Her testimony emphasized the need for improved access to fishing opportunities and better data to inform responsible fisheries management.

She specifically addressed the ongoing challenges facing red snapper management in the South Atlantic. Due to flawed systems mentioned above, anglers are being subjected to increasingly restrictive seasons, despite strong indications that red snapper abundance is increasing.

Click below to read more and watch the recording of the hearing.

ASA Joins Letter to Senate Opposing Public Land Sales

Last week, ASA joined dozens of hunting and fishing organizations in urging U.S. Senate leadership to remove language that would authorize the sale of broad swaths of federal land from the Senate budget reconciliation bill. While we appreciate the desire to address federal land management challenges and respond to local community needs, we ask that any public land disposal be considered within transparent, public channels and that funding from sales be reinvested back into habitat and access. The reconciliation process does not provide the appropriate venue for these considerations.

Click below to read the full letter.