Fisheries

Advancing Science-Based Fisheries Policy

CSF advances science-based fisheries policy at both the federal and state levels to protect angler access, conserve marine and inland fish populations, and strengthen the economic and conservation impact of recreational fishing nationwide.

Fishery Policy Priorities

Fishery Latest News

August 31, 2026

Bad Timing for Key Gulf Angler Economic Data to be Missing

*This article was written in partnership with the Coastal Conservation Association  Chris Horton, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation  Brad Gentner, Coastal Conservation Association  Why It Matters: NOAA Fisheries is no longer including durable goods expenditures, such as boats, trailers, electronics, and fishing tackle, in its state-level estimates of recreational fishing expenditures. As a result, the economic footprint […]

August 24, 2026

Landmark Ruling Reached in North Carolina Coastal Fisheries Lawsuit  

Why It Matters: The Public Trust Doctrine establishes that wildlife resources are owned by the public and are to be managed by government agencies for the benefit of the public. This key principle is a core tenant of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation which is widely renowned as the most successful model of […]

August 21, 2026

North Carolina Court Ruling Demonstrates the Power of Constitutional Right to Hunt and Fish Protections

Wake County, NC – A landmark North Carolina court ruling has provided one of the most significant validations to date of the power that constitutional Right to Hunt and Fish protections can provide for America’s sportsmen and women.  On August 17, the Wake County Superior Court ruled in favor of the Coastal Conservation Association of North Carolina (CCA NC) and […]

August 17, 2026

New South Atlantic Red Snapper EFPs Offer Viable Path to Better Management 

Why It Matters: The South Atlantic’s recreational red snapper fishery has long been hampered by uncertainty surrounding estimates of recreational catch, effort, and discards. Three new Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) applications from Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina offer an opportunity to address that challenge by pairing additional fishing opportunity in the month of October with enhanced, state-based data collection. If […]

Anglers in New Hampshire will continue to have live bait as an option for fishing.

A national program to improve aquatic habitat and fishing opportunities has been permanently authorized by Congress.

Anglers in the Gulf now enjoy months, not days, of red snapper seasons.

Enhanced opportunities for improved marine fisheries management through the Modern Fish Act.