ASA Statement on the Death of Ted Stevens

From American Sportfishing Association

For Immediate Release
Mary Jane Williamson, Communications Director
mjwilliamson@asafishing.org, 703-519-9691, x227, www.asafishing.org

American Sportfishing Association Statement on the Death of Ted Stevens

Alexandria, VA - August 11, 2010 - The American Sportfishing Association extends its heartfelt sympathies to the family of Ted Stevens and to the families of those who were killed or injured in the recent plane crash that took the lives of Mr. Stevens and four others near Dillingham, Alaska.

Mr. Stevens personified government leadership. Through six decades of public service, he displayed remarkable leadership and an unabashed spirit for the state he represented. Mr. Stevens loved to fish and that passion transcended from a hobby to policy in the Congress. His political career was marked by decades of commitment to the nation's natural resources, most specifically for the Act that carries his name, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the law governing management of our nation's marine fisheries first passed in 1976. In recognition of Mr. Steven's accomplishments and unwavering support of recreational fishing he was awarded the American Sportfishing Association's Congressional Leadership award in June 2007.

The recreational fishing and boating community has lost a true champion and friend in Ted Stevens. His accomplishments were many and his smile and force will be missed.

The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is the sportfishing industry's trade association, committed to looking out for the interests of the entire sportfishing community. We give the industry a unified voice speaking out when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing itself. We invest in long-term ventures to ensure the industry will remain strong and prosperous as well as safeguard and promote the enduring economic and conservation values of sportfishing in America. ASA also represents the interests of America's 60 million anglers who generate over $45 billion in retail sales with a $125 billion impact on the nation's economy creating employment for over one million people.

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