Alexandria, VA, January 13, 2026 – The American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the trade association representing the nation’s recreational fishing industry, today expressed strong support for Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s Secretarial Order on Expanding Hunting and Fishing Access, Removing Unnecessary Barriers, and Ensuring Consistency Across Department of the Interior Lands and Waters.
The order reinforces a clear commitment to maintaining and expanding recreational fishing access on public lands and waters, while directing Interior agencies to remove outdated or unnecessary restrictions that limit participation without clear conservation benefit.
“ASA appreciates Secretary Burgum’s leadership in recognizing the importance of access for anglers and the businesses that support recreational fishing,” said Glenn Hughes, president of the American Sportfishing Association. “This order establishes a framework that prioritizes fishing access while respecting conservation needs and state wildlife management authority.”
The order directs Interior bureaus to review existing regulations and management plans to identify opportunities to expand fishing access, reduce duplicative permitting requirements, and improve consistency across federal lands and waters. It also establishes a thoughtful, science-based framework for the use of lead fishing tackle on National Wildlife Refuges by requiring site-specific scientific justification, state consistency and senior-level review.
“Anglers are more likely to participate when rules are clear, consistent, and based on sound science,” adds Hughes. “This order helps ensure that fishing restrictions are targeted and scientifically justified, which ultimately benefits conservation and participation.”
The nation’s 58 million recreational fishermen support 1.1 million jobs and generate $230 billion in economic activity nationwide, while providing a primary funding source for fisheries conservation through excise taxes and license revenues. Expanding access and reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers helps sustain that conservation model and strengthens the connection between anglers and public waters.
ASA looks forward to working with Secretary Burgum, Interior agencies and state and tribal partners to support effective implementation of the order and advance opportunities for anglers across the country.
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