The US recreational fishing industry has called for swift action in passing the Modern Fish Act into law after it received overwhelming approval by a US Senate Committee in late February.
The Act seeks to update the nation’s saltwater fisheries management system to more accurately distinguish between recreational and commercial fishing.
It would also improve fisheries management, introduce better data collection systems and stock assessments and examine outdated fishery allocations.
Introduced into the Senate in July 2017, the Act has received bi-partisan approval by the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.
“We look forward to working with congressional leaders in both chambers to now get this legislation across the finishing line,” said Jeff Angers, President of the Center for Sportfishing Policy.
The American Sportfishing Association applauded the Committee, with President Mike Nussman urging the full Senate to ‘quickly take action on this legislation’.
Patrick Murray, President of the Coastal Conservation Association, added: “We look forward to this important bill receiving quick consideration by the full Senate,” while Jeff Crane, President of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, encouraged Congress to use the momentum from the vote to secure a quick passage in both chambers.
Urgency was also encouraged by the broad coalition of bodies representing the saltwater recreational fishing and boating community, which expressed its eagerness to see ‘this landmark legislation signed into law’.