Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter of support for the SHARKED Act, signed by 123 companies and organizations, including the American Sportfishing Association. September 20, 2023. Hon. Rob Wittman, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Garret Graves, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Darren Soto, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Marc Veasey, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representatives Wittman, Soto, Graves and Veasey: As businesses that have experienced the negative impacts of shark depredation, we are writing to express our support for the Supporting the Health of Aquatic systems through Research, Knowledge and Enhanced Dialogue (SHARKED) Act. Collectively we represent charter captains, tackle shop owners, equipment manufacturers, and other sportfishing- related business leaders. Saltwater recreational fishing is a major economic driver in coastal communities throughout the country, with more than 13 million saltwater anglers supporting 595,000 jobs and generating $98 billion in sales every year. This bill brings focus to the increasing challenge of shark depredation, which negatively impacts fishing experiences, risks the safety of sharks and humans and threatens the sustainability of fish populations. Shark depredation occurs when a shark eats or damages a hooked fish before an angler can reel in their catch. In general, the possibility of depredation occurring is accepted as a natural part of fishing.…”