EP. 319 Protecting Fisheries: An Interview with Mike Leonard, American Sport Fishing Association Director of Government Affairs
Welcome to another episode of the Woman Angler & Adventurer Podcast! Today, we're joined by a very special guest, Mike Leonard, Vice President of Government Affairs at the American Sport Fishing Association (ASA). Mike's going to shed some light on the important work ASA is doing for the recreational fishing industry, and he'll discuss some pressing issues that anglers should be aware of and take action on.
Welcome to another episode of the Woman Angler & Adventurer Podcast! Today, we're joined by a very special guest, Mike Leonard, Vice President of Government Affairs at the American Sport Fishing Association (ASA). Mike's going to shed some light on the important work ASA is doing for the recreational fishing industry, and he'll discuss some pressing issues that anglers should be aware of and take action on.
ASA might not be the most well-known organization in the recreational fishing community, but it certainly plays a crucial role behind the scenes. Mike gives us an inside look at the work they do and how it impacts all of us who love getting out on the water with a rod and reel.
The episode covers some very eye-opening topics, including regulations affecting fishing access and conservation, as well as potential threats to fishing traditions. Mike highlights a significant issue with right whales along the Atlantic Coast that could severely impact offshore fishing, and he shares some shocking developments in other countries like Germany and Colombia that have banned catch and release fishing.
But it's not all doom and gloom! Mike shares valuable insights on how anglers can get involved and make a difference. Whether it's signing up for the Keep America Fishing program, engaging with local fishing organizations, or simply staying informed about crucial bills in Congress, there's something everyone can do to help protect our beloved pastime.
This episode is an important wake-up call for anglers everywhere. So, take some time to listen to what Mike has to say, then head to asafishing.org to find out how you can get involved and help protect the future of recreational fishing. Don't miss out!
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Mike Leonard
Vice President of Government Affairs, American Sportfishing Association
Mike Leonard is the Vice President of Government Affairs at the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), based in Alexandria, Va. ASA is the sportfishing industry’s trade association, providing the industry with a unified voice when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing itself. Leonard oversees the association’s public policy activities on a variety of natural resource and trade issues at the national, regional and state levels. He serves on several advisory bodies to promote fisheries conservation and recreational fishing access, including the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council, the American Fisheries Advisory Committee, the National Fish Habitat Partnership Board, the Center for Sportfishing Policy Government Relations Committee, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Policy Council and the Virginia Menhaden Management Advisory Committee. He first joined ASA in 2009 as the association’s Policy Fellow. He holds a master’s degree in fisheries management from Auburn University and a bachelor’s degree in fisheries science from Virginia Tech.
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