Priority Sportfishing Bills to Receive Congressional Hearings this Week
This Wednesday, the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee will hold two hearings on critical topics and legislation for recreational anglers and the sportfishing industry. On Tuesday, the Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee is holding a hearing on the social, economic and conservation benefits of hunting and fishing.
Also on Tuesday, the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources will hear testimony on the Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act (H.R. 5745). This bill would streamline the permitting process to convert obsolete oil and gas infrastructure in the Gulf into underwater fisheries habitat.
Click the links above to watch a live stream of each hearing and below to read ASA’s letter in support of the Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act.
New Recommendation in Preparing for Possible Tariff Refunds
To preserve their rights to tariff refunds in advance of a looming Supreme Court decision on the legality of President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, importers are now recommended to file individual preemptive lawsuits at the Court of International Trade (CIT). SCOTUS is expected to issue its decision soon, as early as January 14, 2026.
A recent ruling by the CIT suggests that filing a protective lawsuit is the most reliable and time-sensitive step for importers who paid IEEPA duties to take. However, some customs firms maintain that tracking liquidation of affected entries and filing protests within the 180-day protest deadline period (as was previously recommended) is a sufficient protective measure.
If IEEPA tariffs are ultimately deemed illegal, Trump Administration officials have repeatedly indicated that a “backup plan” is ready to reimpose global tariffs “almost immediately with alternative authorities.”
If you are interested in filing a preemptive lawsuit or would like more information, please contact Mike Leonard, VP of Government Affairs at ASA, through the button below.
A Year in Review for Pacific Coast Fisheries
The past year demonstrated once again that collective, science-based advocacy delivers real results for fisheries conservation and recreational access along the Pacific Coast. At the same time, emerging challenges remind us that sustained engagement will be critical as we look toward 2026.
Click below to read more from Larry Phillips, Pacific Fisheries Policy Director.
FishAmerica Foundation: R3 Grant Application Deadline Extended to Jan 15
Massachusetts: DMF Launches Black Sea Bass Research Program
NOAA Fisheries: Reconnecting Habitat Aids Migratory Fish on the Roanoke River
SGB Media: 2026 Look Ahead — Outdoor Market Leaders
