American Sportfishing Association Releases Statement of Support for Great Lakes Fisheries Research Legislation

Alexandria, VA – September 18, 2019 –The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) released the following statement of support following today’s passage of the Great Lakes Research Authorization Act out of the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources.

“The passage of the Great Lakes Research Authorization Act out of the House Natural Resources Committee is a step in the right direction to support high quality recreational fisheries in the region,” said ASA Inland Fisheries Policy Manager Chad Tokowicz. “Fishing on the Great Lakes generates more than $7 billion in economic impact which supports jobs, businesses and communities along their 9,000 miles of shoreline.”

Tokowicz continued, “Bipartisan legislation like this will help support scientific research at the U.S. Geological Survey Great Lakes Science Center that will help maintain healthy fisheries and create opportunities for anglers to enjoy one of America’s favorite pastimes.”

The bipartisan Great Lakes Research Authorization Act (H.R. 1023) was introduced by U.S. Reps. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) and Fred Upton (R-Mich.) to provide federal funding for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Great Lakes Science Center (GLSC). Specifically, it will support efforts at USGS-GLSC to monitor the health of fisheries, combat aquatic invasive species and study the diverse habitats within the Great Lakes region.