April 14, 2016
The American Fly Fishing Trade Association, the voice of America’s recreational anglers and the businesses that serve them, applauds the administration’s announcement of proposed new common-sense protections for America’s offshore waterways. The 2010 Deep Water Horizon disaster not only had a devastating impact on the Gulf fishing economy, it also disrupted the tourism, recreational-fishing industry and put at risk the families in the region that depend upon the Gulf of Mexico for their livelihood. This national tragedy discouraged fishing and tourism in the Gulf region for years and it is only now starting to recover. Hopefully these reforms will go a long way toward preventing future socio-economic disasters and ensuring the U.S.’s offshore waterways and eco-systems are healthy for all Americans to enjoy.
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AFFTA advocates for and promotes the sustained growth of the fly fishing industry. By igniting consumer demand for products and services, providing businesses the tools to be successful, and advocating for access, protection and restoration of fishing waters, we will continue to enhance the passion and profitability of the sport of fly fishing.