Sportfishing Victory Uncertain
Amendment 15 Threatens a Critical Sportfishing Victory—We Need Your Voice
Several months ago, we celebrated a major win for sportfishing and billfish conservation: the withdrawal of Amendment 15, a proposal that would have reopened long-protected Closed Zones off Florida and South Carolina to pelagic longline fishing. These zones, safeguarded for over 23 years, are critical for billfish and other highly migratory species, as well as for maintaining the health of fisheries in the Atlantic.
However, The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has recently reactivated its plans to move Amendment 15 forward toward implementation. This comes despite public concern and a lack of evidence justifying the need to reopen these areas to destructive longline gear.
The Billfish Foundation (TBF) remains steadfast in our opposition to Amendment 15. Reopening these Closed Zones could undermine decades of progress in billfish conservation and jeopardize the future of sustainable recreational fishing in the region.
We will continue to fight this proposal every step of the way—but we cannot do it alone.
When the time comes, we will need your help on Capitol Hill. Whether it’s calling your representatives, signing letters of opposition, or spreading the word, your voice as an angler and advocate matters.
