–Campaign to #ResponsibleRecreation unveiled, promoting social distancing guidelines-

Tallahassee, Fla. – April 2, 2020 – Keep Florida Fishing (KFF), an advocacy arm of the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), today thanked Gov. DeSantis for including fishing as an essential activity under Executive Order No. 20-91, which takes effect at 12:01 a.m., Friday, April 3. The ‘Safer At Home’ order limits essential activities to “participating in recreational activities (consistent with social distancing guidelines) such as walking, biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, running, or swimming.” Golfing was later included as an essential activity.

“As Floridians adhere to Gov. DeSantis’ order to be Safer At Home and practice social distancing, there are several outdoor recreational activities that are approved, including fishing,” said Gary Jennings, Director, Keep Florida Fishing. “On behalf of Florida’s more than four million anglers, we couldn’t agree more that now is the time to get outside and fish while practicing social distancing on the state’s beautiful waters. We thank Gov. DeSantis for including these activities and implore Floridians to please practice safe, social distancing in order to keep Florida fishing.”

The American Sportfishing Association on Friday, March 27 sent letters to all 50 governors requesting they keep waterways open and available for people to fish. ASA will soon be unveiling a social media campaign for anglers to practice #ResponsibleRecreation activities across the country. Instructions to recreate local, be safe, be prepared, and to enjoy the outdoors responsibly will be promoted throughout the next 30 days and beyond.

“The American Sportfishing Association is proud to promote #ResponsibleRecreation here in Florida to ensure anglers practice social distancing and remain safe during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Kellie Ralston, Southeast Fisheries Policy Director, American Sportfishing Association. “Floridians should take advantage of this time to secure a fishing license, check local access points, teach family members best fishing practices, and enjoy some quality time with a few friends and family members.”

To apply for a fishing license, and to determine where local and national parks and docks are accessible, here are a few websites to check.

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. Florida is considered the ‘Fishing Capital of the World’ and home to more than four million licensed anglers, supporting 106,296 jobs, providing $11.5 billion in economic activity and contributing more than $56.7 million for fisheries conservation. Learn more at www.keepfloridafishing.org. Find Keep Florida Fishing on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.