Why It Matters
Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Inc. is escalating its federal lobbying presence at a critical legislative moment. The organization has added Checkmate Government Relations LLC—a major K Street firm representing over 100 clients—while maintaining its existing relationship with Natural Resource Results LLC.
The timing is strategic. Congress is actively advancing the SHARKED Act (which already passed the House), the Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act, and forage fish conservation legislation. The addition of Checkmate—which represents pharmaceutical giants, defense contractors, and financial firms—signals BTT intends to punch above its weight on high-stakes legislative battles affecting a $230+ billion recreational fishing industry.
By the Numbers
BTT has spent $410,000 on lobbying from February 2020 through October 2025 exclusively through Natural Resource Results LLC, filing 23 disclosures with the conservation firm.
BTT’s new lobbying team at Checkmate Government Relations LLC—representing over 100 clients with 2025 fees exceeding $11 million—consists of Christopher Joseph LaCivita Jr. and Charles Franklin McDowell IV.
Neither has fisheries experience, but both maintain extensive portfolios. LaCivita represents Eli Lilly & Co. and Novo Nordisk Inc. on pharmaceutical issues. McDowell has represented the Raleigh-Durham (N.C.) Airport Authority since 2016 on infrastructure funding.
The Agenda
BTT is lobbying on specific fisheries legislation currently moving through Congress. Current priorities include:
- SHARKED Act: Bipartisan bill to establish a task force researching shark depredation and developing non-lethal deterrents.
- Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act: Major reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, strengthening habitat protections and incorporating climate science.
- Working Waterfronts Act: Supports coastal fishing infrastructure through grants.
- Forage Fish Conservation: Legislation to improve protections for forage fish, the primary food source for game fish like tarpon.
Broader Context
Congress is pursuing multiple pieces of marine conservation legislation. The SHARKED Act has already passed the House, while the Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act represents comprehensive Magnuson-Stevens reauthorization.
Recent wins validate BTT’s approach. Rep. Byron Donalds’ FISHES Act became law, with BTT among 107 supporting organizations. The House Natural Resources Committee has held multiple hearings on Sport Fish Restoration Act reauthorization.
Between The Lines
The SHARKED Act enjoys bipartisan backing from Senators Rick Scott and Brian Schatz, with BTT listed as a key supporter in Rep. Rob Wittman’s press release.
A June legislative hearing and July markup focused on Sport Fish Restoration Act reauthorization, which funds state fisheries conservation.
Competitive Landscape
BTT operates within a coalition including the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Center for Sportfishing Policy, and American Sportfishing Association. These organizations share overlapping legislative priorities, particularly on the SHARKED Act and Magnuson-Stevens reauthorization, functioning as coalition allies rather than competitors.
The Bottom Line
BTT’s dual-firm strategy positions it to navigate complex legislative packages while maintaining specialized policy expertise. The move signals intent to increase influence on multiple bills now moving through Congress, joining an active coalition of sportfishing and conservation groups pursuing overlapping priorities in this favorable legislative environment.
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