ASA to Governors: ‘Fishing is Safe Activity'

The American Sportfishing Association wants each of the 50 governors in the U.S. to know how important it is to keep the sport of recreation fishing open and accessible amid the COVID-19 crisis in America.

With coronavirus-related closures and restrictions to fishing in place in many states, ASA president Glenn Hughes asked in separate letters to governors to “keep recreational fishing opportunities and businesses open as much as possible,” the organization said.

Click here to read the letter sent to your governor

“In no way do we want to stand in the way of states’ efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 and we recognize that in certain cases fishing access restrictions are warranted,” ASA Vice President of Government Affairs Mike Leonard said. “In general, ASA believes that recreational fishing should be promoted as a safe outdoor activity compatible with physical distancing guidelines.

• READ THIS: Mixed Signals on Fishing Possibilities in COVID-19 Crisis

“Given that recreational fishing provides health benefits associated with being outdoors, and a source of food for many individuals, we support state efforts to maintain fishing opportunities while keeping physical distance, and to allow sportfishing businesses to stay open as much as possible.”

The ASA says it is working with states to have recreational fishing-related business to be considered essential and allowed to stay open.

Click here to read more from ASA

Also, the organization is tracking state-agency responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• HERE’S MORE: How the Coronavirus crisis is impacting state fish and wildlife agencies (updated daily)