Fishing and boating advocates are applauding the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of a bipartisan bill to support public-private partnerships focused on conserving and maintaining healthy fisheries.
The National Fish Habitat Conservation Through Partnership Act (H.R. 1747) would place into federal law the National Fish Habitat Partnership, which funds on-the-ground habitat restoration projects, according to the American Sportfishing Association.
The bill, introduced by U.S. Reps. Rob Wittman (R-Va.) and Marc Veasey (D-Texas) is a state and locally driven initiative administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“Conservation efforts all across the country rely on National Fish Habitat Partnerships to provide the funding and know-how to help maintain and restore fisheries,” said ASA inland fisheries policy manager Chad Tokowicz in a statement.
“Through the bipartisan efforts of U.S. Reps. Rob Wittman and Marc Veasey, the National Fish Habitat Conservation Through Partnership Act is another step closer to helping increase healthy fish populations,” Tokowicz said. “With more abundant and healthy fisheries, anglers will have more opportunities to spend time on the water helping to boost the outdoor recreation economy.”
