American Sportfishing Association Partners with Wildlife Forever to Fight Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species

The “Clean Drain Dry” initiative educates anglers and boaters on how to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species

The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) and Wildlife Forever have entered into a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to address the spread of aquatic invasive species. Working through Wildlife Forever’s nationwide “Clean Drain Dry” initiative, the two organizations will partner to coordinate outreach and education efforts with leaders in the recreational fishing industry to help stop invasive species which are having a devastating impact on our nation’s freshwater species.

“Since 1933, ASA has been a leader in fisheries conservation. Working with the national Clean Drain Dry Initiative reaffirms our commitment to both the resource and our members by integrating programs that educate our customers. Together, we’re safeguarding our fisheries for future generations,” said Glenn Hughes, president of American Sportfishing Association.

Since 2006, Wildlife Forever’s Clean Drain Dry Initiative has worked to educate anglers and boaters on best practices to halt the spread of invasive species. Beyond its communications campaigns, the Clean Drain Dry Initiative is installing decontamination stations at dozens of boat launches annually.

“I’m proud that ASA joined the movement by taking an active role in invasive species prevention. Our partnership will leverage marketing and communication tools that empower best conservation practices to educate anglers, protecting the sport and the resource,” said Pat Conzemius, president and CEO of Wildlife Forever.

Every year, the United States spends billions of dollars to mitigate the impacts of aquatic invasive species such as zebra mussels, Asian carp and invasive crayfish. These species affect recreational fishing across the country, disrupting habitats and outcompeting native species and gamefish.

The Clean Drain Dry Initiative is Wildlife Forever’s national campaign to educate outdoor recreational users on how to prevent the spread of invasive species. Strategic communications, marketing, outreach and educational services provide access to consistent messaging and tailored prevention planning. To learn more, visit the Clean Drain Dry Initiative website.

The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is the sportfishing industry’s trade association committed to representing the interests of the sportfishing and boating industries as well as the entire sportfishing community. We give the industry and anglers a unified voice when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing itself. ASA invests in long-term ventures to ensure the industry will remain strong and prosperous, as well as safeguard and promote the enduring economic, conservation and social values of sportfishing in America. ASA also gives America’s 55 million anglers a voice in policy decisions that affect their ability to sustainably fish on our nation’s waterways through Keep America Fishing, our national angler advocacy campaign. America’s anglers generate more than $50 billion in retail sales with a $125 billion impact on the nation’s economy creating employment for 825,000 people.