08-25-2012, 11:10 AM
With the passage of the Billfish Conservation Act in the Natural Resources Committee of the House of Representatives on August 1, 2012, the U.S. is close to taking a strong stand in the conservation of one of the ocean's most magnificent apex predators. Known formally as H.R. 2706, the bill received overwhelming bi-partisan support in Committee - a good sign for billfish everywhere. But there is more work to be done to protect the future of these imperiled species.
Now recreational anglers must urge House leadership to schedule the Billfish Conservation Act for a speedy passage, and encourage the Senate Commerce Committee to schedule a hearing for the bill as soon as possible. Keep America Fishing has made it easy to send a message to Members of Congress pressing them to support the Billfish Conservation Act. Simply visit http://keepamericafishing.salsalabs.com/...n_KEY=4039 and enter a ZIP code, and letters are automatically generated to local Representatives and Senate Members.
"Now is the time to tell leadership in Washington that they have an opportunity to make an important impact with recreational anglers," said International Game Fish Association President Rob Kramer. "This bill is a perfect example of how conservation legislation can result in enormous benefits to the economy while sustaining imperiled species at no cost to American taxpayers. This important step is great news for recreational anglers and for people working in tourism, sportfishing and marine businesses."
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Founded in 1939, the IGFA is a non-profit organized under Section 501©(3) under the Internal Revenue Code and is best known for conservation efforts of fisheries, educational programs, rule-making and for maintaining worldwide game fish records in freshwater, saltwater, fly fishing and junior angler categories. IGFA members are located in over 125 countries. The IGFA welcomes visitors to its 60,000-square-foot interactive Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Florida.
Now recreational anglers must urge House leadership to schedule the Billfish Conservation Act for a speedy passage, and encourage the Senate Commerce Committee to schedule a hearing for the bill as soon as possible. Keep America Fishing has made it easy to send a message to Members of Congress pressing them to support the Billfish Conservation Act. Simply visit http://keepamericafishing.salsalabs.com/...n_KEY=4039 and enter a ZIP code, and letters are automatically generated to local Representatives and Senate Members.
"Now is the time to tell leadership in Washington that they have an opportunity to make an important impact with recreational anglers," said International Game Fish Association President Rob Kramer. "This bill is a perfect example of how conservation legislation can result in enormous benefits to the economy while sustaining imperiled species at no cost to American taxpayers. This important step is great news for recreational anglers and for people working in tourism, sportfishing and marine businesses."
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Founded in 1939, the IGFA is a non-profit organized under Section 501©(3) under the Internal Revenue Code and is best known for conservation efforts of fisheries, educational programs, rule-making and for maintaining worldwide game fish records in freshwater, saltwater, fly fishing and junior angler categories. IGFA members are located in over 125 countries. The IGFA welcomes visitors to its 60,000-square-foot interactive Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Florida.