Congresswoman Scholten Introduces ANGLERS Act to Modernize Data Collection of Sport Fish Populations

WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) has introduced a new bill to support fish and wildlife in Michigan and around the country, the Advancing Next-Generation Genetic Learning for Effective Resource Strategy (ANGLERS) Act. The bill would help modernize sport fish data collection through environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring techniques, which would boost outdoor recreation opportunities and improve aquatic conservation efforts.

"Outdoor recreation opportunities are so important to West Michiganders and families across the country, and we should be using every scientific tool at our disposal to protect them," said Congresswoman Scholten. "Modernizing how we collect data on sport fish populations will better inform conservation efforts and help generations to come enjoy fishing in their local waterways."

Specifically, the ANGLERS Act would establish a grant program within the Department of the Interior for state and local governments, higher education institutions, and nonprofit organizations to develop and implement eDNA monitoring techniques. This emerging technology can track a species' genetic presence in an environment by studying the DNA it leaves behind, including cells, scales, and fecal material. Its use will increase the scale and frequency of existing sport fish surveys, including in under-surveyed and remote regions, improve the accuracy of species identification and population estimates, and better track invasive and endangered species.

Congresswoman Scholten is the Vice Ranking Member of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee within the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She introduced this bill ahead of Michigan's free "Fishing with a Ranger" weekend.

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