-Proclamation Unveiled at the World’s Largest Recreational Fishing Trade Show in Orlando-

(Orlando, Fla.) – Last Thursday, Florida Governor Rick Scott presented Mike Nussman, president and CEO of the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), with an official proclamation declaring July as Keep Florida Fishing Month. The presentation was made during ICAST, the largest recreational fishing trade show in the world held July 12 – 15, at the Orange County Convention Center.

“Governor Rick Scott has been a proponent of recreational fishing in Florida, and under his leadership, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission provides world renowned fisheries management,” said Kellie Ralston, Florida Fisheries Policy Director for the ASA. “We appreciate the Governor’s efforts to make Florida an attractive destination for anglers year-round and for codifying his support by proclaiming 2016 of July Keep Florida Fishing Month.”

“More than three million licensed anglers fish in Florida each year, and we are working to ensure they have clean waters, abundant fisheries and access to both,” said Gary Jennings, Keep Florida Fishing® Manager. “Governor Scott understands that recreational fishing is a huge economic driver for our state, and we celebrate a shared goal and vision to July Keep Florida Fishing Month for generations to come.”

 

Keep Florida Fishing® is an advocacy arm of the ASA, representing the interests of the recreational fishing community. Florida’s anglers contribute $9.3 billion in annual economic activity and support more than 123,000 jobs in the state. Florida anglers also are the financial force behind the state’s fisheries conservation efforts, providing $46.5 million annually through fishing-license fees and excise taxes on fishing equipment and motorboat fuel.

About Keep Florida Fishing®
Keep Florida Fishing® is an advocacy arm of the American Sportfishing Association with the goal of ensuring Florida anglers have clean waters, abundant fisheries and access to both. Learn more atwww.KeepFloridaFishing.org. Find Keep Florida Fishing on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.