On September 4, twenty-three organizations representing anglers, boaters, charter boat captains and the fishing and boating industry sent a letter of support for Congressman Brian Mast’s recent introduction of H.R. 6645, the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act (HABHRCA) of 2018.
H.R. 6645 will reauthorize and modify the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998, which is critically important to advancing the scientific understanding and ability to detect, monitor, assess, and predict harmful algal blooms (HABs).
From South Florida to the Great Lakes and many other parts of the country, HABs can have a severe impact on fish populations and fisheries habitats. Large-scale HABs can lead to challenges for fisheries managers, lost angling and boating opportunities, and economic hardships for local communities that depend on access to healthy aquatic systems.
H.R. 6645 builds on action plans required in the previous reauthorization of HABHRCA by establishing the Greater Everglades Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Assessment and the subsequent development of an action plan to address, mitigate and control future HABs in this environmentally and economically important area.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
