Why It Matters

The Center for Sportfishing Policy is engaging on vessel speed restrictions that could affect boating operations, marine protected area designations that could restrict fishing grounds, and red snapper management rules in the Gulf and South Atlantic.

By The Numbers

The Center for Sportfishing Policy reported $120,000 in lobbying expenditures for the second quarter of 2026 in its filing submitted July 11. President Jeff Angers served as the organization's in-house lobbyist during the period.

Broader Context

The organization targeted an extensive legislative and regulatory agenda. The group lobbied on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) vessel speed restrictions, the Modern Fish Act, Magnuson-Stevens Act reauthorization, and Gulf and South Atlantic red snapper issues. They also engaged in the Red Snapper Act, which aims to prevent unilateral fishery closures pending completion of stock assessments. Additional focus areas included the Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Act, the Supporting the Health of Aquatic Systems through Research, Knowledge, and Enhanced Dialogue (SHARKED) Act, and various other bills addressing marine conservation, aquaculture, and fishing access.

Several regulatory and legislative developments likely prompted the lobbying activity. NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking on March 4 regarding North Atlantic Right Whale vessel speed restrictions. The agency also issued exempted fishing permits this year, allowing states like Florida to assume management of recreational Atlantic red snapper in federal waters. NOAA published a proposed list of fisheries for 2026 under the Marine Mammal Protection Act in May.

The SHARKED Act, which would establish a task force to address shark depredation impacts on U.S. fisheries, passed the House in January 2025. The House Committee on Natural Resources has held multiple hearings on Magnuson-Stevens Act reauthorization. Sen. Rick Scott and Reps. John Rutherford and Darren Soto introduced the Red Snapper Act in January 2025, aiming to stop NOAA from unilaterally closing the red snapper fishery in the South Atlantic until a full stock assessment is complete.

Access the Legis1 platform for comprehensive political news, data, and insights.

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article