[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 114 (Friday, June 30, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E628-E629]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE AMERICAN SPORTFISHING ASSOCIATION ON THEIR 90TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 30, 2023

  Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the power of 
the sportfishing industry and to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the 
American Sportfishing Association (ASA). ASA has played a vital role in 
preserving and promoting our cherished fishing tradition in this great 
Nation. From striped bass off the Atlantic coast, grouper species in 
the southeastern United States and Gulf of Mexico, catfish and trout 
throughout America's rivers and lakes, to salmon and mahi on the west 
coast, the United States is truly the envy of anglers throughout the 
world. Over 52.4 million Americans participate in recreational fishing 
every year and thanks to ASA's efforts, this number continues to rise.
  Anglers contribute over $148 billion in economic output, contribute 
$1.8 billion towards conservation, and support 945,500 jobs across the 
country. Sportfishing is a powerful driver of the U.S. economy, thanks 
in large part to efforts that ASA and all its members within the 
sportfishing industry have accomplished since their inception.
  For the past 90 years, the American Sportfishing Association has been 
at the forefront of protecting and advancing the interests of 
recreational fishermen across the United States. Through collaborative 
partnerships with government agencies, conservation organizations and 
industry stakeholders, they have played a pivotal role in shaping 
policies that promote responsible fishing practices, support habitat 
restoration, and safeguard the rights of anglers. ASA has supported 
meaningful legislation that has advanced conservation efforts 
throughout the years, such as the Sport Fish Restoration Act of 1950, 
which established an excise tax for the conservation, management and 
enhancement of sport fisheries and their habitats. More recently, ASA 
has been a leading advocate for pivotal conservation legislation such 
as the Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act, America's 
Conservation Enhancement Act and the Great American Outdoors Act. To 
this day, ASA supports conservation efforts on Capitol Hill and beyond 
and is a champion of access to fish, abundant fisheries, fair trade and 
commerce.
  ASA has also been instrumental in fostering a deep appreciation for 
the great outdoors and inspiring future generations to enjoy the sport 
of fishing. Their educational initiatives and angler retention 
campaigns, such as ``Fishing, Share the Fun,'' help to introduce new 
anglers, both young and old, to fishing and provide them with a 
lifetime of enjoyment in the sport. ASA is also a supporter of 
legislation that introduces children to fishing, as seen in their 
efforts to support the Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act.
  Beyond their advocacy efforts, ASA serves as a unifying force within 
the angling community, bringing together diverse stakeholders, 
manufacturers, retailers, and fishing enthusiasts under one common 
purpose: the preservation and promotion of our Nation's rich fishing 
heritage. Every year the American Sportfishing Association hosts ICAST, 
the

[[Page E629]]

world's largest sportfishing trade show, bringing thousands of 
Americans from all 50 states and over 70 countries together to showcase 
the latest innovations in sportfishing equipment and technology that 
their members have manufactured. ASA's I CAST also provides a platform 
for anglers and the sportfishing industry professionals to collaborate, 
share knowledge and form lifelong friendships dedicated to the sport.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the 
American Sportfishing Association for their 90 years of service to the 
angling community. Their unwavering commitment to the sport, 
conservation and education has enriched the lives of countless 
Americans and will continue to do so for generations to come. 
Congratulations to ASA, their President Glenn Hughes and all their 
dedicated staff and members. Here's to the Association's next 90 years.

                          ____________________