324 - Seventy-fifth anniversary of the Sportfish Restoration Act with Paul Wilkes

August 9th, 2025, marked the 75th anniversary of US President Harry Truman signing the Federal Aid in Sportfish Restoration Act into law. To help listeners better appreciate the impact the act has had on fish conservation activities throughout its 75 year history, Preston sits down with Paul Wilkes from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. They discuss how Paul eventually shifted to the grants and funding realms of fisheries management, and how that ultimately led to his transition to working with the USFWS. They spend the bulk of the episode covering the Sportfish Restoration Act, its history, and a few of the immense benefits that the act provides anglers, managers, and fish populations. We hope that you enjoy this episode!

Main point: "Take a breath, remember our history, but always be planning for the future."

Paul Wilkes' email address: paul_wilkes@fws.gov

SFR Partner With A Payer website: https://partnerwithapayer.org/sport-fish-restoration-at-75/

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Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music.

The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).