The sportfishing industry stands firmly against the implications of Amendment 59 to the Fisheries Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic, which proposes drastic closures for anglers in the South Atlantic, including a bottom fishing ban from December to February for 55 species. This amendment, based on flawed and outdated data, would severely impact recreational anglers, charter captains, and coastal businesses while jeopardizing a vital part of the South Atlantic’s economy and way of life.

We proudly support yesterday’s introduction of the Red Snapper Act (H.R. 470), which ensures that management decisions rely on accurate, science-based data from the forthcoming South Atlantic Great Red Snapper Count. Florida’s anglers deserve fair and dependable access to red snapper fishing—not arbitrary closures.

Thank you to Congressmen @reprutherfordfl (R-FL-05), @repdarrensoto (D-FL-09), and @flsenrickscott for championing this critical legislation and standing up for anglers and coastal communities.

📸 @reprutherfordfl catching red snapper

#ASAFishing #KeepFloridaFishing #redsnapper #bottomfishing

ICYMI — @noaafisheries has withdrawn the proposed vessel speed rule that would have restricted boats over 35 feet to 10 knots along much of the Atlantic Coast for roughly half the year.

This rule posed significant risks to anglers, boaters, and coastal economies, but thanks to collective efforts, it’s been shelved for the time being. Now, we can focus on innovative solutions that improve marine conservation while preserving public access.

#ASAFishing #fishing #boating #AtlanticOcean

Major News for Anglers and Boaters! 🛥️

Today, NOAA Fisheries formally withdrew the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule—a proposal that threatened public access to fishing along the Atlantic Coast. This rule would have imposed speed restrictions that could devastate the sportfishing industry and coastal communities.

“ASA is pleased to see this draconian rule sent back for reconsideration,” said Mike Leonard, ASA’s VP of Government Affairs. “We’re ready to work toward long-term solutions that protect right whales while supporting anglers, boaters, and coastal economies.”

Thanks to our allies in Congress, the sportfishing industry, and recreational fishing advocates for standing strong to safeguard marine conservation, public access, and the $230 billion sportfishing industry!

#ASAFishing #KeepAmericaFishing #AtlanticOcean #fishing

Today, @noaafisheries released Amendment 59, proposing a three-month bottomfishing closure for 55 species—including red snapper—off much of Florida’s Atlantic coast. This drastic action is being justified as a measure to end overfishing of red snapper, despite new NOAA data confirming what anglers have observed for years: Atlantic red snapper is no longer overfished or undergoing overfishing.

While the recognition of a rebuilding fishery is a positive step, this proposed closure, based on unreliable data, could have devastating impacts on recreational fishing businesses, coastal economies, and angling access.

Public comment on this proposal is open until March 17th. Stay tuned on how you can help protect access to this economically and culturally important fishery.

#redsnapper #atlanticocean #bottomfishing #KeepAmericaFishing