LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - 2025 marks 75 years since the Sport Fish Restoration Act was enacted.

Created in 1950, the Sport Fish Rehabilitation Act is a joint venture between the federal and state governments. It was created to help put money back into the fishing industry, which was rapidly declining during that time.

Melissa Longman, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sport Fish Restoration Coordinator, says without this act, the fishing industry could have been destroyed.

“Wildlife populations were being over-harvested, and the same with fisheries. So, members of the public actually lobbied Congress to pass this act, which implemented these programs to conserve our resources,” Longman said.

It provides funding for the fishery industries. Funding comes from federal taxes

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