In recent weeks, Congress has been proactive on the important issue of access to public waters. These decisions carry direct consequences for conservation outcomes, safety and fisheries management.
Last week, two House hearings focused squarely on how access shapes participation, data quality and conservation funding. Testimony before the Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee reinforced a consistent message: access is a prerequisite for good data and sound management. When access is workable and clearly defined, then safety improves, data quality increases and conservation funding is strengthened. Access is not separate from conservation – it is its foundation.
That same message also carried into last week’s Energy and Mineral Resource Subcommittee hearing on the Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act, legislation focused on strengthening and enhancing the Rigs-to-Reefs program. Decades of science and on-the-water experience show that retaining offshore structures supports thriving marine habitat and healthy fisheries across the Gulf. The case for Rigs-to-Reefs is strong, practical and rooted in real-world results.
Access is also advancing in the South Atlantic through the appropriations process. CJS Approps included funding and direction for state-led Exempted Fishing Permits (EFP) for red snapper, reinforcing Congressional support for improved data collection and greater state involvement in management. For South Atlantic managers, this is an important step toward moving beyond chronically short federal seasons and toward management approaches that better reflect conditions on the water.
Also, over the holidays, the MAPWaters Act was signed into law, delivering long-needed clarity for anglers and boaters. Clear boundaries and transparent information reduce confusion, improve compliance and support safer access. We are encouraged by continued momentum behind the MAPOceans Act and look forward to further action.
Together, these actions reflect a shift from abstract debate toward practical decisions that will shape access, conservation and fisheries policy in the years ahead. We will continue working with Congress, the Administration and our partners to ensure that access remains a cornerstone of fisheries policy in 2026 and beyond.
About the Center For Sportfishing Policy
The Center for Sportfishing Policy is the nation’s leading advocate for saltwater recreational anglers. CSP organizes, focuses and engages stakeholders to shape federal marine fisheries management policies. Learn more at www.SportfishingPolicy.com.
