The American Sportfishing Association (ASA), in partnership with ASA’s Sustainability Committee, has concluded the inaugural Million Pound Challenge, a nationwide, multi-year initiative for the recreational fishing industry to remove 1 million pounds of trash from U.S. waterways.
Beginning during National Fishing and Boating Week (June 6-14), 34 ASA member companies, partner organizations and government agencies mobilized more than 900 employees and community volunteers to participate in over 50 river, lake, beach and coastal cleanup events across the country.
“Clean and healthy waterways are essential to strong fisheries and ensure a bright future for all recreational anglers,” said Mary Beth Long, ASA Vice President of Communications and Strategy. “Stewarding our favorite fisheries is central to ASA’s mission, and the Million Pound Challenge gives the sportfishing industry a meaningful way to demonstrate our commitment to conservation.”
The inaugural campaign established the foundation for a multi-year effort and the successful future of the Million Pound Challenge, creating a growing network of companies, state and federal agencies, and volunteers committed to protecting clean water and healthy fisheries.
ASA thanks the myriad partners who helped bring the Million Pound Challenge to life. FishBrain supported the campaign by providing a platform to track cleanup efforts and progress on their mobile app, while Hobie Eyewear, Okuma Fishing and PRADCO Outdoors provided critical support for the initiative and helped encourage participation throughout the recreational fishing industry.
“Our industry depends on healthy waterways, and we believe those who enjoy and benefit from these resources should also be among their greatest advocates,” said Michelle Gandola, American Sportfishing Association Sustainability Committee Chair. “What makes this effort so special is that competitors became collaborators, companies came together, and anglers across the country rolled up their sleeves to give something back to the places we love. This is what leadership looks like. We’re not just talking about conservation; we’re taking action. And we’re going to keep doing it, year after year, until we remove one million pounds of trash from our nation’s waterways.”
The success of the campaign’s first summer reflects the recreational fishing industry’s broader commitment to stewardship and conservation. By working together, companies, agencies, organizations and individual volunteers can make a meaningful difference for the waterways that support fish, wildlife, outdoor recreation and communities across the country. We appreciate the hard work and dedication of everyone who participated, and we look forward to an even more robust effort in 2027.
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