Closures and restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic are sweeping the nation. Keep America Fishing is fighting for anglers to have continued access to our waterways.
The American Sportfishing Association (ASA)-KAF’s parent organization-sent letters to each of the fifty governors requesting that they keep recreational fishing opportunities and businesses open as much as possible.
“In no way do we want to stand in the way of states’ efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19. Recognize that in certain cases fishing access restrictions are warranted,” said Mike Leonard, ASA’s vice president of Government Affairs. “In general, ASA believes that recreational fishing should be promoted as a safe outdoor activity compatible with physical distancing guidelines.”
“Given that recreational fishing provides health benefits associated with being outdoors, and a source of food for many individuals, we support state efforts to maintain fishing opportunities. While keeping physical distance, and to allow sportfishing businesses to stay open as much as possible,” said Leonard.
KAF is monitoring state parks and fisheries agencies responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, providing updates on its website through an interactive map. ASA is working with states to have recreational fishing-related businesses be considered “essential”. Therefore allowed to remain open in some form to help facilitate fishing opportunities for the public.
Through these difficult times, Keep America Fishing will continue to focus on access, regulation and conservation issues that benefit the recreational fishing community.