ASA Announces First Annual Million Pound Challenge Trash Cleanup

The American Sportfishing Association (ASA), in partnership with ASA’s Sustainability Committee, is excited to announce the Million Pound Challenge, a nationwide initiative to remove 1 million pounds of trash from U.S. waterways. The inaugural event will take place during National Fishing and Boating Week, June 6-14, 2026.

Aquatic pollution impacts every lake, river, and ocean across the country, affecting water quality and threatening fish and wildlife populations. Through this initiative, ASA is mobilizing sportfishing businesses, state agencies and organizations to host river, lake or beach cleanups for staff and community members and take direct action in protecting our nation’s pristine and cherished fisheries resources.

“Without clean waterways, we don’t have healthy fish populations. Without healthy fish populations, we don’t have an industry,” said ASA President Glenn Hughes. “ASA staff will be cleaning up the Potomac River in Washington, DC, on June 11, and we encourage all of our members to join us in this effort.”

“As leaders in the sport fishing industry, we feel it’s our duty to demonstrate stewardship of our natural resources,” said Bruce Stanton, Vice President of Fishing at PRADCO Outdoors. “The Million Pound Challenge, launched by ASA, aligns with our stewardship initiatives, and we challenge all ASA members and stakeholders to get out of the office and help clean our waterways!”

To get started, select a date between June 6-14, choose a location and organize your team. ASA has partnered with Fishbrain to track the total amount of debris collected, with a public leaderboard displaying the top participants.

Additional resources for planning and executing a cleanup are available on the Million Pound Challenge webpage.

Recreational fishing has been an important part of America’s heritage for the last 250 years. As our nation celebrates its semi-quincentennial birthday, the Million Pound Challenge is an opportunity to ensure these waters remain clean and healthy for the next 250 years.