Why It Matters
The Center for Sportfishing Policy is lobbying on the Recreational Boating Safety and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2025, which was ordered reported by unanimous consent on July 15, 2025.
The record for H.R. 3858, the Sport Fish Restoration, Recreational Boating Safety, and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2025, sponsored by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI-6), shows it extends Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act deadlines from 2026 to 2031. It also removes a cap on interstate fisheries commission appropriations, expands boating infrastructure priorities to include alternative fuel facilities, and cuts the federal excise tax on portable, electronically aerated bait containers from 10 percent to 3 percent.
By the Numbers
The center's in-house third-quarter report put spending at $100,000. That is down $20,000 from $120,000 in the second quarter and unchanged from $100,000 in the third quarter of 2025.
The center's filing lists one lobbyist, Jeff Angers, its president.
Two outside firms also filed for the client this quarter. BGR Government Affairs LLC reported $60,000, and Natural Resource Results LLC reported $30,000. The client's total across all three registrants is $190,000.
That compares with $210,000 in the second quarter, $200,000 in the first quarter, $200,000 in the fourth quarter of 2025, and $190,000 in the third quarter of 2025.
Broader Context
Cormorants. The filing names the Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act. H.R. 8195, sponsored by Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI-5), directs the secretary of the interior to create regional plans for controlling double-crested cormorants within six months of enactment. It was referred to the House Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries on April 9, and appeared in an oversight hearing on four bills.
Red snapper. The filing lists the Red Snapper Act. H.R. 470, sponsored by Rep. John H. Rutherford (R-FL-5), bars the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from area or bottom fishing closures for South Atlantic snapper-grouper species. The bar lasts until South Atlantic Great Red Snapper Count data enters the next stock assessment. It was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources on Jan. 16, 2025. A Senate companion, S. 111, was introduced the same day, according to Congress.gov.
Fisheries data. The filing names the Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Act. Rutherford introduced H.R. 5699 on Oct. 6, 2025. It had 13 cosponsors and sat in the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Rutherford said NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program overestimated recreational fishing effort by 30 percent to 40 percent, citing a 2023 NOAA study.
The Center for Sportfishing Policy is among the bill's listed endorsers. Charles Witek of the Marine Fish Conservation Network argued that state-specific survey methods could yield estimates that are not comparable and could weaken federal catch limits.
Whales. The filing lists the Whale CHARTS Act. Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA-7) introduced it in a Feb. 3 release that quoted Angers calling it "smart legislation that recognizes conservation and access can advance together."
Vessel speed. The filing names NOAA vessel speed restrictions. NOAA withdrew its pending proposal to expand North Atlantic right whale vessel-speed restrictions on Jan. 16, 2025.
Competitive Landscape
Five other organizations are listed as lobbying H.R. 3858: the American Fisheries Society Inc., the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the American Sportfishing Association, the National Marine Manufacturers Association, and the Boat Owners Association of the United States. The American Sportfishing Association is also listed on H.R. 470 and H.R. 8195.
The Bottom Line
H.R. 3858 awaits further action after the unanimous-consent vote to report it.
Across complete quarters, the outside lobbying team has held steady. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP filed a termination for the second quarter of 2025, and the two remaining firms have reported in every quarter since.
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