The
Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund is a critical funding tool for a diverse set of important state and national recreational fishing and boating programs, including recreational boating safety, boat manufacturing compliance, fisheries management, habitat conservation, vessel sewage pump-out stations, water and boating access infrastructure programs, and aquatic resource education programs, among others.
Funding for the Trust Fund is attained through a “user tax” system, in which excise duties on fishing tackle and equipment, motorboat fuel, and import duties on recreational boats and fishing equipment are collected for the various sport fish restoration programs and boating programs operating. These combined excise taxes and duties on the boating and fishing communities generate around $600 million annually.
For more information about the Trust Fund or reauthorization, contact NASBLA Chair, Trust Fund Committee,
Tom Guess.