New US legislation set to create more fishing opportunities

Increased recreational fishing opportunities are set to be created around the US coast following legislation approved by the country’s House of Representatives last week.

Approval has been given for retired US Navy ships to be considered for use as artificial reefs under an amendment to the National Defence Authorisation Act and based on the Reusing Equipment for Environmental Fortification (REEF) Act.

‘Decommissioned vessels have successfully been converted into artificial reefs off our nation’s coastlines, benefiting the marine environment and becoming valuable fishing destinations,” said Mike Leonard, Vice President of Government Affairs at the American Sportfishing Association (ASA). “On behalf of recreational fishing we commend Rep. Maria Salazar for her leadership in ensuring additional opportunities are not lost to convert retired naval vessels into artificial reefs.”

The ASA was the main driver in a letter from over a dozen fishing and boating organisations in support of the REEF Act and actively worked to gain co-sponsors.

“The new REEF Act would help to give retired Naval craft an honourable new purpose, strengthening the ocean eco-systems that coastal communities and anglers depend upon,” added Leonard.