States including California and South Carolina have proposed legislation that would place 30 percent of lands and waters under protected status by 2030.
Recreational fishing interests support the measure.
The bipartisan package will now head to the House.
Federal government seeks to expand U.S. aquaculture and commercial fishing
Federal government seeks to expand U.S. aquaculture and commercial fishing
Critics say measures will restrict recreational access to the striped bass fishery.
The small fish are a critical food source for several species of game fish.
NOAA Fisheries officially established the state management program after two successful trial years.
The American Sportfishing Association and other organizations laud the bipartisan legislation.
The bill will establish more consistent federal funding for habitat conservation programs, advocates say.
Sportfishing community lauds bipartisan effort to conserve Gulf reef fish.
Grassroots projects will focus on water quality and aquatic habitat.
Advocates say the growing industry needs adequate infrastructure.
The honors were handed out during the Sportfishing Summit held earlier this month.
Forty industry members attended for the first time.
The National Fish Habitat Through Partnership Act would authorize a public-private partnership to conserve and restore fish habitats.
Association is focusing on access, mitigation, management and economic impacts on fisheries.
Sportfishing industry calls this week’s hearings a “significant step” in protecting the forage fish.
The American Sportfishing Association told the U.S. Trade Commission that a reduction in sales would harm conservation.
Two at-large seats and two regional seats were filled.