On March 26, a group of eight bipartisan senators, led by Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) introduced a bill (S. 4250) to reauthorize the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund through 2031.
The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Gary Peters (D-MI), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).
“On behalf of the American Sportfishing Association, we thank Senators Cantwell and Sullivan for introducing the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund Reauthorization Act,” said Glenn Hughes, president and CEO of the American Sportfishing Association. “For 76 years, the sportfishing industry has proudly contributed to this program through the federal excise tax on fishing equipment, creating a powerful, self-sustaining model for conservation. These funds are critical to supporting state-led fisheries management, expanding public access, and maintaining healthy fish populations. Reauthorizing this program ensures that anglers and the broader outdoor recreation community can continue to rely on strong fisheries and accessible waters for generations to come.”
Originally passed in 1950, the Dingell-Johnson Act established the Sport Fish Restoration Fund, a “user pay, public benefit” system that is the backbone of fisheries conservation funding.
The Fund collects an excise tax of up to 10% on the sale of most fishing equipment and a portion of the sales tax on motorboat fuel. This revenue is distributed to states, tribes and territories to fund habitat restoration, fisheries research, education and access improvements.
Since its inception, the program has generated over $12 billion for fisheries conservation. In 2024 alone, $750 million was invested back into all 50 states to support over 320 state fish hatcheries, 9,000 access sites, and engage 850,000 students in conservation and fishing programs.
Representatives Dingell (D-MI) and Wittman (R-VA) introduced the House version of this bill in June of 2025, and it currently has 20 cosponsors. The current authorization of the Dingell-Johnson Act is set to expire later this year.
ASA is grateful for the broad support for this critical legislation, and we look forward to seeing this flagship program reauthorized for another five years.
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