Sport Fish Restoration at 75

This year, we are highlighting the Sport Fish Restoration Act, which celebrates its 75th anniversary. As a cornerstone of America’s conservation legacy, this landmark legislation has played a vital role in preserving the health, sustainability, and accessibility of the fisheries and water we all cherish.

Sport Fish Restoration is . . .

Boating & Fishing Access: 9,000+ boating and fishing access areas for public use are maintained and operated nationwide each year.

Clean Water: 748 pump-out boats and fixed stations were constructed, renovated, replaced, or purchased in the last 5 years.

Boating Infrastructure: 32,000 linear feet of docks were constructed for boats that are 26 feet or more in length in the last 5 years.

Education: 850,000 students receive aquatic education and are introduced to fishing each year.

Disease Management: 12 fish health research laboratories supported through Sport Fish Restoration funding.

Fisheries Management: 200+ species of sport fish are managed, studied, and monitored by state fish and wildlife agency biologists each year.

How does Sport Fish Restoration fund conservation?

In short, federal excise taxes on sport fishing equipment fund fisheries conservation. Sport Fish Restoration’s success stems from the collaborations between fishing tackle manufactures, state fish and wildlife agencies, and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The Sport Fish Restoration Act, also known as Dingell-Johnson, established this strong partnership in 1950—creating the most effective model of fisheries management known to the world.

As we commemorate this significant milestone—75 years—we honor the vital contributions of everyone involved—the workers building rods and lures; the fisheries biologist hauling in nets and collecting data; and the accountants who ensure fiscal fidelity. Sport Fish Restoration stands as a testament to the effectiveness of these collaborations in restoring and preserving our fisheries for the enjoyment of all. Join us in celebrating the power of community-driven conservation that has shaped the legacy of the Sport Fish Restoration.

Featured Video

Celebrating 75 Years of the Sport Fish Restoration Act

For 75 years, the Sport Fish Restoration Act has delivered public access to America’s waterways, extraordinary angling opportunities, boating safety, ﬁsh habitat management, ﬁsh population management and research, and clean water. This act has been cornerstone in ensuring that America’s sport ﬁsh populations and aquatic habitats are healthy while providing angling opportunities for the American public.

Check out more videos about Sport Fish Restoration below:

Playlist

7 Videos

Sport Fish Restoration Funding: Providing Fishing and Boating Opportunities on America's Waterways

Sport Fish Restoration Funding: Providing Fishing and Boating Opportunities on America's Waterways

Sport Fish Restoration Funding: The Cornerstone of Partnerships - Helping our Angling and Boating Resources Thrive

Sport Fish Restoration Funding: The Cornerstone of Partnerships - Helping our Angling and Boating Resources Thrive

Sport Fish Restoration Funding: The Cornerstone of Partnerships

Sport Fish Restoration Funding: The Cornerstone of Partnerships

1:31

Collaborating in Conservation: Partnering to Create Healthy Fisheries and Access for All

Collaborating in Conservation: Partnering to Create Healthy Fisheries and Access for All

2:54

Opportunity and Access in Kentucky

Opportunity and Access in Kentucky

2:17

Waterways for All: Improving and Expanding Public Fishing and Boating Access

Waterways for All: Improving and Expanding Public Fishing and Boating Access

3:03

Conservation Partnerships

Conservation Partnerships

5:05

A REEL SUCCESS: Sport Fish Restoration Celebrates its 75th Year

A one-page resource celebrating the Sport Fish Restoration Act turning 75. It is a cornerstone of America’s conservation heritage — and a promise for its future. This landmark legislation has ensured that the fish we catch and the waters we cherish stay healthy, sustainable, and accessible to everyone.

Clean Water and Boating Access: Benefits of the Sport Fish Restoration Act (SFR)

A one-page resource highlighting the critical role of the Sport Fish Restoration Act in supporting clean water efforts and improving boating access. Discover how programs like Boating Infrastructure Grants and Clean Vessel Act fund essential infrastructure, reduce environmental pollution, and enhance recreational boating experiences across the United States.

In The News...

Angling, Education, R3

A New Era for Aquatic Conservation and Education at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center

May 2, 2025

The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) in Athens, Texas, is a hub of aquatic education, fish production, and conservation in the Lone Star State. Since opening in 1996, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) facility has drawn over 1.1 million visitors, offering an in-depth look at the diverse world of Texas’ freshwater ecosystems and how state agencies manage fisheries resources.

Angling, Management

Restoring Utah’s Cutthroats and Creating Angling Opportunities for Native Trout

April 11, 2025

Cutthroat trout are the only trout native to Utah, but not that long ago the state’s iconic cutthroats were in jeopardy of disappearing. Thanks to conservation measures supported in part by Sport Fish Restoration funds, Utah’s four cutthroat subspecies have made a remarkable comeback.

Angling, Management

Hooked on Muskie: The Importance of Sport Fish Restoration Funding in America’s Fisheries

April 3, 2025

Muskie are commonly thought of as a fish of the North, the Great Lakes states, reservoirs and mid to large streams in the Ohio and upper Mississippi river basins. And North Carolina, well not so much—unless you live and fish there.