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Sportfishing industry urges incoming US Administration not to restrict use of lead

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Sportfishing industry leaders in the US are urging the incoming Adminstration to avoid implementing restrictions on traditional fishing tackle such as lead sinkers and jigs on public lands and waters.

A coalition of the nation’s leading sportfishing organisations, including the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), delivered a raft of recommendations that could play key roles in keeping angler access and fisheries management an ongoing priority in the White House and the next Congress.

On the subject of traditional tackle it called for continued efforts to be made to improve angler access while keeping fishing tackle flowing off the shelves. This included a request to avoid restrictions on tackle. “The restriction of lead tackle would reduce access and put an unreasonable burden on the sportfishing industry and anglers, particularly those on low income,” it said.

“Recreational fishing generates $148 billion for the US economy each year and it is important for our elected officials to understand what issues our constituency cares about,” said ASA’s Vice President of Government Affairs, Mike Leonard. “Our recommendations give them a roadmap for how they can best support us.”

The 20-page proposal containing recommendations from 17 organisations representing more than 3,000 businesses and the nation’s 57.7m anglers has been distributed by the ASA.

Titled THE FUTURE OF SPORTFISHING: Policy Recommendations from the Recreational Fishing Community it is a collaborative effort aimed at guiding science-based conservation, growth in trade and commerce, increasing access and education and advocating for the rights of anglers.

“This is the first time in memory that such a diverse group of recreational fishing community organisations have come together in support of a suite of policies like this,” said Leonard. “It shows the breadth and opportunity that the next Administration and Congress has to prioritise recreational fishing in their agenda and we are excited to see these recommendations come to fruition.”

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