5 Minutes FOR FISH E-mail Tips & Scripts
Email Tips:
Subject Line Best Practices:
· Keep it under 50 characters when possible
· Include your key ask or concern
· Make it clear you're a constituent
Email Structure:
· Paragraph 1: Introduce yourself as a constituent and state your ask
· Paragraphs 2-3: Provide key facts and personal/local impact
· Paragraph 4: Restate your specific request
· Paragraph 5: Thank them and request a response
Follow-Up:
· Post shared 5 Minutes Fish image using #5MinutesForFish
· Tag friends to make their calls or email
Remember: You are the constituent they work for. Your voice matters. Make the call.
Your voice matters. Make the call.
Email Script 1: Personal Angler Focus
Best for: Individual recreational anglers, fishing enthusiasts
Subject Line: Your Constituent Opposes Cuts to Federal Fisheries Funding
Dear [Representative/Senator NAME],
My name is [YOUR NAME] and I am your constituent from [CITY/TOWN]. As a lifelong angler, I am writing to express my strong opposition to proposed cuts to federal fisheries funding and to urge you to support full funding for NOAA Fisheries programs.
I have been fishing for [X] years, and I have witnessed firsthand how government programs make a real difference in our waters. When federal agencies restore reefs and wetlands, I see more fish. When they manage fish stocks properly based on sound science, my fishing experiences improve dramatically.
However, I am deeply concerned that Congress is now cutting funding for these critical programs. Reduced funding means:
• Less habitat restoration in our local waters
• Reduced research on fish populations and ecosystem health
• Less effective fisheries management
• Diminished protection for the fishing opportunities I value
As an angler, I contribute significantly to these programs through fishing license fees, federal excise taxes on my fishing gear, and my economic activity every time I go fishing. These dollars should support programs that work for anglers like me, not be redirected to other priorities while our fisheries suffer.
I am asking you to vote for full funding of NOAA Fisheries and habitat restoration programs. These investments directly benefit your constituents and support the outdoor recreation economy in our district.
Politicians may think anglers won't pay attention to these votes, but they are mistaken. I am watching closely, and I will remember how you vote on fisheries funding when I cast my ballot.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response on this critical issue.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
[YOUR EMAIL]
Script 2: Economic Impact Focus
Best for: Business owners, guides, coastal communities
Subject Line: Protect $140B Marine Recreation Economy - Support Fisheries Funding
Dear [Representative/Senator NAME],
I am [YOUR NAME], a constituent and business owner from [CITY/TOWN], writing to request your support for federal fisheries funding that is critical to our local economy.
I want you to understand the enormous economic impact at stake: marine recreational fishing generates over $140 billion annually, which is more than 100 times the entire budget of NOAA Fisheries. In our district alone, fishing supports [local businesses/jobs/tourism] and provides substantial tax revenue to our communities.
Federal cuts to fish science and habitat restoration programs don't just harm fish populations; they directly threaten our local economy. When fish populations crash because we failed to fund the science needed to detect problems early, our businesses suffer immediate consequences. Lost fishing opportunities mean:
· Reduced tourism revenue
· Fewer customers for local businesses
· Job losses in the fishing and tourism industries
· Decreased property values in coastal and fishing communities
I am urging you to fully fund NOAA Fisheries programs and habitat restoration initiatives. These are not merely environmental programs; they are critical economic investments that yield substantial returns for communities like ours. Every dollar invested in fisheries science and habitat restoration yields dividends through improved fishing, increased tourism, and a stronger local economy.
The data is clear: federal investment in fisheries programs is one of the most cost-effective ways to support economic growth in coastal and fishing-dependent communities. Our district benefits directly from these programs, and cutting them would be economically devastating.
Anglers and fishing-dependent businesses are closely watching how Congress votes on these issues. We vote, we contribute significantly to the economy, and we expect our representatives to protect the federal investments that support our livelihoods.
I respectfully request your commitment to opposing cuts to fisheries funding and supporting robust investment in these programs.
Thank you for representing our interests in Congress.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[BUSINESS NAME/TITLE]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
[YOUR EMAIL]
Script 3: Conservation & Future Generations Focus
Best for: Angling parents, young anglers, conservation-minded constituents
Subject Line: Protect Fishing Opportunities for Future Generations
Dear [Representative/Senator NAME],
I am [YOUR NAME], a voter and concerned parent from [CITY/TOWN]. I am writing to express my deep concern about proposed cuts to federal fisheries programs and to urge your support for protecting these critical investments for future generations.
Federal fish science and habitat programs are what keep our waters healthy and productive for the next generation of anglers. These programs provide the essential research and management needed to understand fish population dynamics before problems become irreversible.
My [children/grandchildren] fish with me regularly, and I want them to have the same, or better, fishing opportunities that I enjoyed growing up. However, this requires continued investment in science and habitat restoration to maintain abundant fish populations.
Today's environmental challenges make these programs more critical than ever:
· Climate change is altering fish habitats and migration patterns
· Increased fishing pressure requires more sophisticated management
· Coastal development threatens critical spawning and nursery areas
· Ocean acidification and warming waters stress marine ecosystems
Cutting fisheries programs now is like flying blind through these challenges. By the time we notice serious problems with fish populations, it is often too late to implement effective solutions. Prevention through science-based management is far more effective and less expensive than attempting to rebuild collapsed fisheries.
I am asking you to support full funding for fisheries science and habitat restoration programs. Our children's fishing opportunities and the health of our marine and freshwater ecosystems depend on the decisions Congress makes today.
Future generations will judge us by whether we had the wisdom to maintain the programs that protect our natural heritage. I urge you to be a champion for sustainable fisheries management and habitat conservation.
Thank you for considering the long-term impacts of these funding decisions.
Respectfully,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
[YOUR EMAIL]
Script 4: Industry Professional Focus
Best for: Fishing guides, tackle shop owners, marina operators, fishing industry workers
Subject Line: Federal Fisheries Funding Critical to Local Fishing Industry
Dear [Representative/Senator NAME],
I am [YOUR NAME], and I [own/work at] [BUSINESS NAME] in [CITY/TOWN]. I am writing as both your constituent and a fishing industry professional to urge your support for federal fisheries funding that directly affects my business and livelihood.
My business depends entirely on healthy fish populations and accessible fishing waters. Federal programs provide the scientific foundation that prevents fish population crashes, fund the habitat restoration that improves fishing quality, and support the management systems that keep fishing areas open and productive.
When politicians cut these programs, they are directly cutting what makes businesses like mine viable. Consider the real-world impacts:
· If fish populations decline because we didn't fund research to detect problems early, I lose customers and revenue
· If habitats aren't restored and maintained, fishing quality deteriorates in my area
· If management systems fail due to inadequate funding, fishing closures devastate my business
The fishing industry employs thousands of people throughout [STATE]. We are predominantly small businesses that depend on federal investment in fisheries science and habitat programs for our survival. These programs are not government handouts—they are smart investments that generate massive economic returns for communities like ours.
The return on investment is exceptional: every dollar spent on fisheries management and habitat restoration generates multiple dollars in economic activity through improved fishing, increased tourism, and stronger fishing-dependent businesses.
I need you to vote against any cuts to NOAA Fisheries funding and to support robust funding for fish science and habitat restoration programs. My business, my employees, and the entire local fishing economy are counting on these federal investments.
The fishing industry is closely monitoring these votes. We are organized, we vote, and we will remember which representatives stood with us during this critical time.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this issue further and to show you firsthand how federal fisheries programs benefit our local economy.
Thank you for your consideration and support.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[BUSINESS NAME AND TITLE]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
[YOUR EMAIL]