After years of being ignored in Washington, saltwater recreational anglers are hoping for a breath of fresh air with the Trump Administration. It’s not hard to imagine that President Trump would be a friend to our community. After all, he has made clear that he values spending time with his family and has an obvious interest in a strong national economy fueled by Americans. His sons, Eric and Donald Jr., are both avid anglers and hunters.
That’s good news for sport fishermen and their families who take part in one of America’s oldest and most beloved past times – and spend a lot of money doing it! Sadly, though, there is a long-standing history between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries and recreational fishermen that leaves anglers wanting – needing – more. More access. More acknowledgement. More input.
The economic impact of America’s 11 million saltwater recreational anglers should make any president proud. Recreational anglers make a combined economic contribution of $70 billion annually and support more than 450,000 American jobs. Why would an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce – focused on jobs and growth – not…
