Current Actions

• Take Action to prevent ethanol damages to motorboat engines

  Legislation in both chambers could prevent higher blends from reaching the pump In early 2013, Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Rep. Robert Goodlatte (R-Va.) introduced the RFS Reform Act of 2013 (S. 344, H.R. 1462) into both chambers of Congress. This act will prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from approving blends of ethanol above ten percent in gasoline such as E15. E15 is a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline. Certain cars, manufactured after 2001, can use this blend of gasoline but smaller engines, more importantly motorboat engines cannot run properly. E15 causes engines to run at a much higher temperature causing the engines to burn hotter. Serious damages include valve, push rods and bearing damage, poor engine performance, and difficulty starting. Manufacturers of both boat and vehicles have begun invalidating warranties due to damage from E15. The EPA requires at least four gallons of gas to be purchased from gasoline pumps that sell E15 blends, which means that if the customer prior to you buys E15 and you only want E10 then you will get a blend of both because of what is left over in the pump lines. Take action below and ask your legislators to co-sponsor these important pieces of legislation.

• Want better fishing access?

  Access issues could be rectified by bill passage Lack of access is the primary reason that keeps anglers from enjoying a day on the water. Surveys have shown that about one in five anglers have lost access to a favorite fishing spot in the last year. With expanding land development and growing regulations restricting angler access, federally owned lands are more important than ever for recreational fishing opportunity. In early 2013, Sen. Murkowski (R-AK) and Rep. Benishek (R-MI) introduced the Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act (S. 170, H.R. 1825) into both chambers of Congress. This bill would facilitate the use of, and access to, federal public lands and waters for recreational fishing, hunting and shooting.  To help ensure that current and future generations are able to access and fish in our nation's federal lands and waters, please send a message to your legislators today urging them to co-sponsor this important legislation.

• Help Save Fishing Access at Cape Hatteras

  Send a message supporting legislation that will restore reasonable and responsible fishing access at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore

  Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreation Area, located along the Outer Banks in North Carolina, is one of the premier surf fishing locations in the United States. Your help is needed to restore fishing access to this seashore that has been greatly restricted by unwarranted access closures.

  Off-road vehicle (ORV) access to the park is essential for surf fishing from the beaches, as well as many other recreational activities. However, the National Park Service recently approved an ORV management plan that closes extensive areas of the seashore to the public and severely limits public access, far outweighing what is needed to address resource protection.

  The final ORV plan, which went into effect on February 15, 2012, has caused devastating impacts on the local economy, which is largely dependent on tourism and recreation. This plan is a dangerous precedent that could set the stage for public access restrictions on federal lands across the country!

  The Solution

  In early 2013, Senators Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Kay Hagan (D-N.C.) and Representative Walter Jones (R-N.C.) introduced legislation (S. 486 and H.R. 819) that would restore reasonable ORV and pedestrian access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area while providing appropriate shorebird and resource protection.

  Please do your part to reverse this dangerous precedent and support your fellow anglers who fish Cape Hatteras and by sending a message to your Congressional delegation in support of S. 486 and H.R. 819 today!

  Fill out the form below to send a message to your Senators and Representative to help bring recreation back to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreation Area.

• Help Conserve Three of North Carolina’s Most Iconic Saltwater Sportfish

  The Fisheries Economic Development Act is good for North Carolina’s anglers, fisheries and economy

  The North Carolina legislature is currently considering a bill that will conserve some of the state’s most important saltwater recreational fisheries and boost the economy, and your help is needed to ensure its passage. Tell your state legislators that you believe striped bass, red drum and spotted sea trout should be managed as game fish in North Carolina.

  Similar to game fish bills that have been successfully implemented in several other southeastern states, the Fisheries Economic Development Act (HB 983) would require that striped bass, red drum and spotted sea trout be harvested by hook-and-line only and would prohibit the sale of these species.

  Game fish status in other states has resulted in clear and significant benefits both to the health of the fisheries and to local economies. Because these species are much more valuable when pursued recreationally, the state’s economy will receive a tremendous boost if these species are designated as game fish.

  Few, if any, commercial fishermen are financially dependent on the harvest of these three species, therefore the negative impacts to the commercial industry would be minimal. Striped bass, red drum and spotted sea trout represent only 2 percent of North Carolina’s commercial harvest with an average annual landings value of $1.5 million, while recreational fishing for these fish contributes over $140 million annually to North Carolina’s economy, demonstrating the significantly greater value of these stocks as recreationally-managed species. Click here for more information on the clear economic case for managing these species recreationally.

  Do your part to support recreational fishing and send your message today!

• First, It was Soft Baits. Now Its Sinkers and Jigs.

  Maine’s Legislators Are Being Lured Into Banning Fishing

  On February 28, 2013 legislation (LD 730 / SP 268) to protect Maine’s Loons by Banning Lead Sinkers and Jigs was introduced. This bill would make it illegal for a person to sell, advertise or use lead sinkers or jigs that contain any lead and weighs one ounce or less or measures 2 ½ inches or less. Violations to this bill would be a civil violation carrying a fine for each violation of between $100 - $500. If a person violates this three times or more in a five year period then they will have committed a Class E crime, which in Maine is punishable by up to six months incarceration and a $1,000 fine. The bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

  The impact on loons and other waterfowl is the most often cited reason for bans on lead fishing tackle. However according to loon preservation groups the population of loons in Maine have grown steadily since the 1980s, between 2010 and 2011 adult loon populations increased by 2% and between 2007 and 2011 chick loon populations increased by 30%. Waterfowl populations in Maine are subject to more substantial threats such as habitat loss, water acidification and domestic and wild predators. Any lead restrictions need to be based on scientific data that supports the appropriate action for a particular water body or species. This restrictive legislation does not meet that test.

  Bans on selling, advertising and using tackle that contain any lead when there is no logical reason for such measures is anti-fishing. This legislation would not only affect the over 300,000 residential anglers in Maine but also the almost 150,000 non-resident anglers and who spend their vacation dollars in Maine. It would reduce the $614 million dollars recreational fishing adds to the Maine economy every year.

  Attend the Public Hearing A public hearing before the Maine Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Committee is being held April 11, at 9:00 a.m. in room 206 of the Cross Office Building (next to the State House) in Augusta, Maine. Call (207) 781-2330, x216 for more information.

  KeepAmericaFishing™ needs your help to protect your right to fish in Maine. Take one minute to complete the form below to send a message to the Committee expressing your opposition to this scientifically and biologically unjustified fishing tackle ban.

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  In the latest attempt to burden anglers with unnecessary restrictions on traditional fishing tackle, on January 3, New Hampshire State Senator Jeannie Forrester introduced a bill, SB 89, that would prohibit anglers from using any lead sinker or jig weighing one ounce or less. If this bill should pass, virtually all small fishing lures owned by anglers in the state would instantly become illegal.

  • This bill would expand an already restrictive policy on the use of lead jigs with no scientific data to back up such a ban.
  • The ban would have a significant negative impact on the state’s economy and fisheries conservation, but a negligible impact on the waterfowl populations it seeks to protect. In fact, New Hampshire’s loon population is increasing.
  • This ban is more restrictive than the Consumer Products Safety Commission’s levels for lead in paint, children’s toys, plumbing fixtures and non-toxic shot for waterfowl hunting.
  • Technology does not permit manufacturers to supply alternative metals 100 percent free of lead so the practical impact of the legislation is to ban all sinkers and jigs less one ounce or less.
  • This size range represents the most commonly used sinkers.

  By banning lead completely the state is effectively banning fishing!

  Join us by signing the petition and protect recreational fishing by stopping this overly restrictive and unrealistic ban on fishing tackle!

• Salmon Can’t Swim in the Desert

  More water in the San Joaquin would increase salmon health and population

  California’s Central Valley salmon populations remain at near-record lows, mainly due to water being diverted for agricultural and residential use. But, there is a glimmer of hope. This is your chance to positively impact the long-term future of California’s salmon.

  The California State Water Resources Control Board is currently considering adopting a policy that 35 percent of the San Joaquin River’s springtime flows would be unimpaired which could significantly boost the upstream migrations of salmon.

  Currently, close to 70 percent of the waters are diverted for city and agricultural severely affecting fish stocks, especially steelhead and salmon that call this river system home. With the current flows, this historic salmon fishery, which once numbered in the hundreds of thousands, has dwindled to 14,000 salmon that return each year to spawn. This is a long way from the 78,000 required under the 1992 Central Valley Project Improvement Act. If trends continue and natural spring flow is not increased, the economic benefits of the recreational salmon fishery on bait and tackle shops, boaters, marinas, hotels, and restaurants will further erode.

  An independent scientific peer review of the State Water Board’s draft report recommended increasing water flow to 60 percent which is within the upper range of the Control Board’s consideration. At this rate salmon populations would be able to recover and double in population within these waters.

  Please send a message to the State Water Board asking them to increase the San Joaquin River’s natural spring flow for the benefit of California’s steelhead, salmon and other fish.

  Help California salmon have a future!

• New Hampshire Anglers Face a Costly Ban on Lead Fishing Tackle

  Legislators need to hear from anglers!

  The New Hampshire House of Representatives could vote as early as Wednesday, May 22nd on the bill SB 89, the ban on lead sinkers and jigs. Send a message to your legislators today!

  On March 14, a bill SB 89, was passed out of the New Hampshire State Senate, which would expand current restrictions on the use of lead sinkers and jigs in state waters by banning the use of any lead jig weighing one ounce or less. SB 89 is written so that the ban would include all sinkers and jigs regardless of their coating or attached skirts. This could include many popular fishing lures.

  If SB 89 passes, much of your tackle could become illegal and the cost of fishing in New Hampshire will be significantly greater.

  The ban proposed by SB 89 is unjustified. A recent scientific study showed that the number one loon mortality reason was due to territorial birds. The impact on loons and other waterfowl is the most often cited reason for bans on lead fishing tackle, yet New Hampshire loon populations are currently increasing throughout the state. Waterfowl populations in New Hampshire are subject to more substantial threats such as habitat loss, and domestic and wild predators. Any lead restrictions need to be based on scientific data that supports the appropriate action for a particular water body or species.

  If anglers don’t act soon, the cost of fishing in New Hampshire may significantly increase.
  

  Act Now!

  Fill out the form below to send a message to your state legislator, OR take a few minutes and call them, expressing your opposition to this unjustified fishing tackle ban.

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  On January 17, a bill was introduced in the state of Maine that would prohibit the use of all “rubber” lures. The legislation seeks to ban “rubber” baits but does not define the term. Even so, the intent of the legislation is clear – to ban the soft baits that Maine anglers use every day. The bill would even ban biodegradable soft baits currently available.

  KeepAmericaFishing™ is not aware of any study of fish in the wild regarding problems with soft baits. To the contrary industry research involving literally thousands of soft baits to test fish of many species (particularly bass and trout) has indicated minimal problems for the fish involved. The research experience is that the fish either regurgitate or pass the baits without problem. 

  The legislation does nothing to encourage further understanding of this perceived problem or to improve angler education on the use of soft baits. This ban could seriously impact the future of fishing in Maine and it's economy. Ultimately, it could affect anglers across the United States by setting a precedent for other similar bans. 

  Join us by signing this petition saying 'Stop the ban on soft baits' today!

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  On January 17, a bill was introduced in the state of Maine that would prohibit the use of all “rubber” lures. The legislation seeks to ban “rubber” baits but does not define the term. Even so, the intent of the legislation is clear – to ban the soft baits that Maine anglers use every day. The bill would even ban biodegradable soft baits currently available.

  KeepAmericaFishing™ is not aware of any study of fish in the wild regarding problems with soft baits. To the contrary industry research involving literally thousands of soft baits to test fish of many species (particularly bass and trout) has indicated minimal problems for the fish involved. The research experience is that the fish either regurgitate or pass the baits without problem. 

  The legislation does nothing to encourage further understanding of this perceived problem or to improve angler education on the use of soft baits. This ban could seriously impact the future of fishing in Maine and it's economy. Ultimately, it could affect anglers across the United States by setting a precedent for other similar bans. 

  Join us by signing this petition saying 'Stop the ban on soft baits' today!

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  Sample text

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  On January 17, a bill was introduced in the state of Maine that would prohibit the use of all “rubber” lures. The legislation seeks to ban “rubber” baits but does not define the term. Even so, the intent of the legislation is clear – to ban the soft baits that Maine anglers use every day. The bill would even ban biodegradable soft baits currently available.

  KeepAmericaFishing™ is not aware of any study of fish in the wild regarding problems with soft baits. To the contrary industry research involving literally thousands of soft baits to test fish of many species (particularly bass and trout) has indicated minimal problems for the fish involved. The research experience is that the fish either regurgitate or pass the baits without problem. 

  The legislation does nothing to encourage further understanding of this perceived problem or to improve angler education on the use of soft baits. This ban could seriously impact the future of fishing in Maine and its economy. Ultimately, it could affect anglers across the United States by setting a precedent for other similar bans. 

  Join us by signing this petition saying 'Stop the ban on soft baits' today!

• Alabama Senator may hold up Sportsmen’s Package

  Urge Senator Sessions to vote YES for this historic package of fishing legislation

  KeepAmericaFishing™ is working hard to move the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012 through the U.S. Senate, and your help is greatly needed to ensure that your Senator, Jeff Sessions, allows the bill to move forward. THE SENATE IS NOW SCHEDULED TO VOTE ON THE MEASURE NOVEMBER 26 AT 5:30 PM EASTERN TIME. Our biggest concern is Senator Session’s threat to raise a point of order because he believes the bill violates the budget agreement.

  Send a message to Senator Sessions to not raise a point of order and in fact to support the bill’s passage.

  The concern he has articulated about the bill is the provision concerning the pricing of the Duck Stamp. The Duck Stamp was a self-imposed fee created in 1934 for wetland conservation. These funds do not increase the national debt nor are they appropriated dollars. Projects created using the Duck Stamp monies are approved by a Commission made up of the Secretary of the Interior, with membership of 2 bipartisan House Members, 2 bipartisan Senate Members, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Administrator of the EPA, and the USFWS Realty Division.

  If you haven't sent a message yet please fill out the form below today!

  The most effective thing you can do is to call Senator Sessions' office, and simply tell him to vote YES on S3525.  Type in your zip code below to see the phone number(s).

• Test Actions - Use this for any tests you want to try, do not duplicate

   THIS IS A TEST EMAIL SENT FROM THE SALSA ADVOCACY SYSTEM.  TEST FAX SENT FROM THE SALSA SYSTEM.  WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE? DID YOU RECEIVE IT?

• Help End Foreign Commercial Overfishing of the Iconic Billfish

  Send a message to your Members of Congress urging them to support the Billfish Conservation Act.

  The Situation

  Marlin, sailfish and spearfish, collectively called billfish, are highly esteemed by recreational anglers who practice catch-and-release fishing for these iconic fish while generating substantial income to the economy. Unfortunately, as a result of commercial overfishing, primarily by foreign countries, stocks of these magnificent big ocean fish are greatly depleted in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

  It is currently illegal to harvest or import Atlantic-caught billfish into the U.S., but fish caught in the Pacific Ocean flood into U.S. markets in substantial numbers, threatening the survival of these fisheries. The Billfish Conservation Act (S. 1451 and H.R. 2706), introduced into Congress on July 29, 2011, would close U.S. commercial markets to Pacific billfish, preventing their harvest and importation.

  It would have a negligible impact on the commercial fishing industry in the U.S., since billfish represent only 0.1 percent of all seafood sales and there are many sustainable alternatives. The subsequent increase in billfish abundance will add value to the recreational fishery, which annually generates billions of dollars to the economy and has a minimal impact on billfish populations.

  In short, this important bipartisan legislation will help restore billfish populations and improve recreational fishing opportunities while concurrently creating jobs and other economic benefits.

  Take Action

  In order to ensure this important bill is passed, KeepAmericaFishing™ needs your help! Send a message to your Members of Congress today asking them to support the Billfish Conservation Act.

  Thank you for taking the time to help conserve our nation's invaluable fisheries resources for generations to come.

• California's Salmon are Running Out of Water and Time

  Send a message today to help protect California's renowned salmon runs

  Agricultural interests are spending millions of dollars on lawsuits and campaigns in an attempt to overturn important biological opinions and increase private water rights. Increased water diversion for agricultural irrigation is having a devastating impact on recreational salmon fishing and businesses that depend on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta's fishery.

  Despite the extreme environmental consequences of over-pumping, private interests, notably the San Joaquin Valley agricultural water contractors are attempting to control even more of the public's water. At times this diversion is so high that it can actually reverse the natural flow of the Old and Middle Rivers in the South Delta.

  Because of the impacts of high volume pumping rates on salmon, fishery managers closed the salmon fishing season in 2008 and 2009 and severely curtailed the 2010 season. Despite fishery closures, the region's salmon populations will not be able to recover until water management deficiencies are properly addressed. California's salmon fisheries are edging towards a collapse and cannot afford to lose more water to private agricultural interests.

  What is the Solution?

  Two of the Delta's four salmon runs are currently listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are required to evaluate any project that may impact ESA-listed fish and issue a biological opinion. In response to the recent salmon crash, both agencies issued new biological opinions in 2009. These called for reduced pumping rates and improved upriver habitat conditions. While this is a large improvement from previous policies, more change is necessary if all four runs are to recover.

  Learn more.

  Take Action!

  Send a message to your Members of Congress and the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce urging them to support and uphold the current biological opinions. California's salmon are an invaluable resource that cannot be sold out to private interests.

  Enter your zip code below to send a message today!

• Congress to Vote on Recreational Access at Cape Hatteras National Seashore

  Send a message supporting legislation that will maintain resource protection while restoring reasonable public access at Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreation Area

  On June 19, your Member of Congress will cast a vote on legislation affecting fishing access at one of the East Coast’s premier surf fishing destinations. With this critical vote approaching, please send a message to your Member of Congress today in support of the Preserving Access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area Act , which will facilitate public access to this national treasure while providing protection for the park’s invaluable natural resources.

  The Situation

  National Park Service officials recently adopted a new off-road vehicle (ORV) management plan for Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area that severely restricts access to the most popular areas of the seashore far beyond what is needed for resource management. ORV access is essential for surf fishing from beaches. The plan not only threatens sportfishing in the park, but the seashore’s local economy, which is largely dependent upon tourism and recreation.

  Take Action!

  As its name implies, the seashore should be managed as a recreation area, with due consideration to the conservation of native fish and wildlife. The Preserving Access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area Act will allow anglers and other visitors to the seashore reasonable access to the park’s beaches while still providing adequate protection for shorebirds and other native wildlife.

  KeepAmericaFishing™ needs your help to persuade Congress to restore reasonable public access to this national treasure. Fill out the form below to send a message to your Member of Congress in support of the Preserving Access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area Act today!

• Alaska’s World Class Fisheries Threatened by Industrial Mining

  Ask the EPA to protect Alaska’s treasured fisheries from toxic waste

  The Situation

  Alaska’s Bristol Bay is home to the world’s largest sockeye salmon runs and supports numerous important recreational fisheries as well as providing food and income for thousands of Alaska’s citizens and visitors.

  However, a massive mining proposal, known as Pebble Mine, poses a clear and present danger to the region’s phenomenal recreational fisheries and a great tradition that has been passed down for generations.

  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released a draft scientific study of the Bristol Bay watershed, the scope of its natural resources and the impending threats that potential mining projects, including Pebble Mine, pose to this unmatched natural, public resource. This assessment overwhelmingly supports what the sportfishing community has been advocating for – the denial of Pebble Mine permits under the Clean Water Act.

  Take Action!

  The EPA has jurisdiction to deny mining permits if they would have unacceptable adverse effects on water purity, fish, wildlife and recreational areas – as expected for Pebble Mine. Sportsmen and women can help protect this region and Alaska’s rich fishing heritage by sending a message to the EPA today and a copy to your Members of Congress. Urge them to exercise their authority to protect Alaska’s fisheries and the people that depend on Bristol Bay for their livelihoods. Fill out the form below to send your message today!

• Help Save Fishing Access at Cape Hatteras

  Send a message supporting legislation that will restore reasonable and responsible fishing access at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore

  Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreation Area, located along the Outer Banks in North Carolina, is one of the premier surf fishing locations in the United States. Your help is needed to restore fishing access to this seashore that has been greatly restricted by unwarranted access closures .

  Off-road vehicle (ORV) access to the park is essential for surf fishing from the beaches, as well as many other recreational activities. However, the National Park Service recently approved an ORV management plan that closes extensive areas of the seashore to the public and severely limits public access, far outweighing what is needed to address resource protection.

  The final ORV plan, which went into effect on February 15, 2012, has caused devastating impacts on the local economy, which is largely dependent on tourism and recreation. This plan is a dangerous precedent that could set the stage for public access restrictions on federal lands across the country!

  The Solution

  In early 2013, Senators Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Kay Hagan (D-N.C.) and Representative Walter Jones (R-N.C.) introduced legislation (S. 486 and H.R. 819) that would restore reasonable ORV and pedestrian access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area while providing appropriate shorebird and resource protection.

  Please do your part to reverse this dangerous precedent and support your fellow anglers who fish Cape Hatteras and by sending a message to your Congressional delegation in support of S. 486 and H.R. 819 today !

  Fill out the form below to send a message to your Senators to help bring recreation back to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreation Area.

• Anglers’ Right to Access Public Waters Threatened by Pending Virginia Civil Court Decision

  Send a message to Virginia’s Attorney General, requesting that the state defend the public’s right to access public waters

  Virginia’s Jackson River is at the center of a lawsuit, the outcome of which could result in severely reduced river and stream access for anglers and other recreationists throughout the state.

  The Situation

  A Virginia landowner is currently suing two anglers for trespassing on a portion of the Jackson River based on crown and commonwealth land grants ceded almost 300 years ago. These grants predate Virginia law stating that all river and stream beds are public property. Despite having both public law and the official position of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) on the anglers’ side, the Attorney General’s Office has refused to step into this case to defend the interests of the Commonwealth, its trust resources and its people. This is a precedent setting case in Virginia and could have disastrous ramifications for river and stream fishing across the Commonwealth.

  Anglers Vs. Developers – Public Access to Virginia’s Public Waters is in Jeopardy

  The DGIF stocks the waters of the Jackson River with trout, using funds from fishing license fees and the federal excise tax on sportfishing equipment. In addition, there are launch ramps paid for with public money providing access to this stretch of the Jackson River. The DGIF’s position holds that the Jackson River bed, including the section in question, is the property of the Commonwealth and open to all people for fishing, boating and other recreational activities. According to the DGIF and Virginia law, the actions of these two anglers are perfectly legal.

  Because the Attorney General’s Office refuses to intervene, these two anglers are now defending the rights of all of Virginia’s anglers, boaters and outdoor enthusiasts in court.

  Take Action

  If the Court decides in favor of the real estate developer, property owners across the state could deny access to anglers and other recreationists on stretches of water for which they hold crown or commonwealth grants. Fill out the form below to send a message to Governor Bob McDonnell and Virginia’s Attorney General’s Office, requesting that the state intervene in this case to defend the interests of the Commonwealth and its people.

• You Did It! Petition to Ban Lead Fishing Tackle Rejected

  Attempts to federally ban lead fishing tackle are once again thwarted by angler actions but legislation is needed to stop future efforts Listening to the voices of thousands of activist anglers, on February 14, 2012, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) once again rejected the most recent petition to federally ban lead fishing tackle under the Toxic Substances Control Act. KeepAmericaFishing™ thanks everyone who took action on this important issue. The Situation Attempts to ban the use of lead fishing tackle have become increasingly prevalent. In November 2010, 43,000 anglers such as you helped to defeat an attempt to ban lead in fishing tackle nationwide when the EPA denied a petition to ban lead in fishing tackle. Despite the EPA’s ruling, the petitioners filed a law suit against the EPA’s decision and submitted a similar new petition to the agency. Thanks to you, this new petition has been defeated! The EPA’s decision demonstrates, once again, that lead fishing tackle is not harming waterfowl populations and that this is not an issue that merits a sweeping ban. Anglers are, first and foremost, some of our nation’s most devoted conservationists and the EPA recognized this fact with their dismissal. Your Help is Still Needed Despite this monumental win for anglers nationwide, attempts to overregulate our sport have not ended. The Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting Sports Protection Act (S. 838/H.R. 1558) seeks to prevent a federal ban on lead in recreational fishing tackle and helps to ensure that any future regulations on fishing tackle are established based on scientific fact instead of unjustified petitions With anti-fishing organizations trying to stop recreational fishing using whatever means they can, the Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting Sports Protection Act is necessary to protect traditional fishing tackle, as well as ammunition, from unjustified bans that will harm the economy and reduce participation in traditional outdoor sports. Take Action! To assure passage of this important legislation and prevent future attempts to overregulate sportfishing, it’s critical that your Members of Congress hear from you! Fill out the form below to support the Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting Sports Protection Act today.

• Recreational Fishing and Boating Threatened at Biscayne National Park

  Ask your Members of Congress to help stop unwarranted closures to fishing

  The Situation

  National Park Service officials at Biscayne National Park recently released a draft General Management Plan (GMP) which, despite opposition from numerous stakeholders and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), proposes to close some of the park's most popular and productive reefs to all fishing.

  Park managers favor a plan that would establish a 10,522-acre marine reserve – or no-fishing zone – and several "no combustion engine zones" which act as de facto no-fishing zones because their large size renders most of the waters inaccessible.

  Park Officials Shun the FWC

  The GMP is intended to serve as a framework to help manage park visitors and facilities development for the next 15 to 20 years. Management of the park's fish and aquatic resources falls under a separate, but complimentary, Fishery Management Plan, which is defined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the National Park Service and the commission. In the MOU, the FWC states that marine reserves are overly restrictive and that less restrictive management measures should be implemented in the park.

  Park officials are arguing that the MOU does not apply to the park's GMP, even though marine reserves and other components of the draft GMP clearly affect fish and aquatic resource activities. This demonstrates the park's obvious intent to circumvent its MOU with the FWC and disregard the input from thousands of conservation-minded anglers who participated in the public comment sessions and user group discussions on both the Fishery Management Plan and the GMP.

  Take Action Now!

  Although the comment period for the draft GMP recently closed, you can still take action to help bring common sense back into the management of Biscayne National Park. Enter your zip code below and send a message to Senators Nelson and Rubio and your Representative urging them to take action to stop the National Park Service from unnecessarily closing Florida's waters to anglers like you.

   

• California's Salmon are Running Out of Water and Time

  Send a message today to help protect California's renowned salmon runs

  Agricultural interests are spending millions of dollars on lawsuits and campaigns in an attempt to overturn important biological opinions and increase private water rights. Increased water diversion for agricultural irrigation is having a devastating impact on recreational salmon fishing and businesses that depend on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta's fishery.

  Despite the extreme environmental consequences of over-pumping, private interests, notably the San Joaquin Valley agricultural water contractors are attempting to control even more of the public's water. At times this diversion is so high that it can actually reverse the natural flow of the Old and Middle Rivers in the South Delta.

  Because of the impacts of high volume pumping rates on salmon, fishery managers closed the salmon fishing season in 2008 and 2009 and severely curtailed the 2010 season. Despite fishery closures, the region's salmon populations will not be able to recover until water management deficiencies are properly addressed. California's salmon fisheries are edging towards a collapse and cannot afford to lose more water to private agricultural interests.

  What is the Solution?

  Two of the Delta's four salmon runs are currently listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are required to evaluate any project that may impact ESA-listed fish and issue a biological opinion. In response to the recent salmon crash, both agencies issued new biological opinions in 2009. These called for reduced pumping rates and improved upriver habitat conditions. While this is a large improvement from previous policies, more change is necessary if all four runs are to recover.

  Learn more.

  Take Action!

  Send a message to your Members of Congress and the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce urging them to support and uphold the current biological opinions. California's salmon are an invaluable resource that cannot be sold out to private interests.

  Enter your zip code below to send a message today!

• Urge Congress to Support New Legislation that Opens More Federal Lands to Recreational Fishing
  Increased development and regulations make access more critical than ever.

  The Situation

  Lack of access is the primary reason that keeps anglers from enjoying a day on the water. With expanding land development and growing regulations restricting angler access, federally owned lands are more important than ever for recreational fishing opportunity. However, a recent Congressional report concluded that more than 35 million acres of land owned by two federal land management agencies – the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service – have inadequate access for sportsmen and women.

  The Solution

  The Making Public Lands Public Access Act (H.R. 1997, S. 901), introduced in Congress on May 5, 2011, will increase access to angling, hunting and recreational shooting opportunities on federal lands. The legislation directs that a minimum of $10 million be used to ensure that fishing, hunting and other recreational activities are accessible for these purposes. The funding for access projects such as easements and access roads would come from existing Land and Water Conservation Fund monies that come from offshore oil and gas leases.

  This legislation does not seek to increase the amount of land owned by the government, but instead enhances recreational access in existing national parks, forests and other federally owned lands.

  Take Action

  The Making Public Lands Public Access Act could open hundreds of thousands of acres of federal land to recreational fishing, hunting and shooting. Enter your zip code below to send a message to your Members of Congress urging them to support H.R. 1997 and S. 901.

• Support KeepAmericaFishing

  Be a voice for your community and protect your right to fish. Through KeepAmericaFishing™ you can help to educate law makers about closures and restrictions threatening our right to fish.

  KeepAmericaFishing is leading the fight to preserve your right to sustainably fish on our nation's waterways. As the voice of the American angler, KeepAmericaFishing works to keep our public resources – our oceans, lakes, rivers and streams  – open, clean and abundant with fish.

  At KeepAmericaFishing, we are working to give you – one of our nation’s 60 million anglers – a way to reach out to the White House, Members of Congress and other policy makers on issues that affect your right to fish.

  Please do your part and let your voice be heard!