Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK), one of the sportfishing and boating community’s most ardent supporters, was honored during a recent reception on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., as part of the National Fishing and Boating Week celebrations.
Stevens' decades of commitment to the nation’s natural resources were recognized. Most notably, he was praised for the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, which carries his name and was first passed in 1976.
His career in public service spans more than six decades from his beginnings in the Army Air Corp, where he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, to his current role as the senior member of Alaska’s congressional delegation. He's served six terms representing Alaska’s citizens and has served on and chaired many committees, including the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.
“In 1976, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act was a milestone in ocean fisheries management," said Mike Nussman, president and CEO of the American Sportfishing Association. "With Sen. Stevens’ diligence and personal support, its provisions for fisheries resources have been strengthened with each reauthorization, including the most recent, which was passed by Congress in 2006.
“There are few times in Washington when one person can be so strongly identified as the pivotal link in the passage of legislation. However, Sen. Stevens is that one person, and for that we in the fishing and boating community are truly grateful.”
Stevens professed his lifelong devotion to fishing. He also challenged those present to introduce someone new to the sport.
“Introduce someone to fishing at least once a year,” he said. “I do it as often as I can. It’s a great sport, and it helps put money into supporting the habitat.”
National Fishing and Boating week ran June 2-10.
