MINNEAPOLIS, June 12, 2025 — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) backs a bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund (SFRBTF). It was released on Tuesday in the U.S. House of Representatives. The reauthorization of the SFRBTF is a top priority of the recreational marine industry.
75 Years of Funding State-Based Programs
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the SFRBTF — funded by excise taxes on motorboat fuel and recreational fishing equipment. The fund supports state programs that protect sport fish populations, restore critical habitats, and construct boating access facilities. Additionally, the SFRBTF is crucial in maintaining and expanding recreational boating fishing opportunities. It also simultaneously educating boaters and anglers about safety on the water.
Representative Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI) introduced H.R. 3858. Representative Dingell carries on the legacy of her late husband’s father, John D. Dingell, who in 1950, introduced the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act, or the Dingell-Johnson Act. It ultimately passed and laid the foundation for the SFRBTF we know and advocate for today.
“Every time a recreational boater fills up before a day on the water, they are supporting the important work done by the SFRBTF, ultimately playing a role in the conservation and restoration of crucial habitat and improving access for recreational boaters,” said Mike Sayre, MRAA Director of Government Relations. “Clean waters, healthy fisheries and access to both are critical for ensuring the recreational fishing and boating industry remains strong, and the work done by the SFRBTF continues to ensure that those priorities remain in check, further underscoring the importance of reauthorization. We cannot thank Representatives Dingell and Wittman enough for their leadership in spearheading the reauthorization of this pivotal program.”
SFRBTF is supported by key revenue sources:
- Federal fuel taxes from motorboat and small engine fuel;
- Excise taxes on fishing equipment;
- Import duties on tackle and pleasure boats;
- Interest earnings
In addition, these combined sources generated an estimated $760 million in FY2012.
The funds are critical to eight priority programs:
- Coastal wetlands restoration;
- Recreational boating safety;
- Sewage and pump-out station construction;
- Transient docking infrastructure;
- National aquatic outreach;
- Multi-state conservation grants;
- Fishery commissions;
- State-level sport fish restoration efforts.
“The SRFBTF is one of the best examples of how a user-pay public benefit program ensures that the investments from many Americans engaging in recreational angling and boating are redirected back into the resource, ultimately creating more opportunities for everyday Americans, benefitting the recreational boating and fishing industry, as well as bolstering our nations fisheries and the habitat they rely on,” said Joe Lewis, Chairman of the MRAA Board and Owner of Mount Dora Boating Center. “As Vice Chairman on the RBFF Board of Directors, a program that is directly supported by the SRFBTF and a marine retailer, I am keenly aware of the many benefits that it provides to our industry. I cannot thank Representatives Wittman and Dingell enough for their leadership in reauthorizing this critical program.”
In 1984, the Wallop-Breaux amendment significantly expanded funding for the SFRBTF. Sponsored by Senator Malcolm Wallop and Representative John Breaux, it included new sources of funding to include excise taxes on motorboat fuels and untaxed equipment. In addition, it also designated 15% of the funds for boating access.
Moreover, visit the United States Fish and Wildlife page dedicated to the SFRBTF to learn more.
Therefore, as the H.R. 3858 makes its way through Congress, the MRAA and our coalition partners will continue to support and provide regular updates. Please reach out to the MRAA Government Relations Team of Mike Sayre, sayre@mraa.com and Chad Tokowicz, chad@mraa.com with questions.
About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.
