5 Minutes FOR FISH Tips and Phone Call Scripts
During the Call :
Be polite with staff members
Request a response via email if possible
If You Get Voicemail:
Leave your full name and city
State your position clearly: "I support full funding for NOAA Fisheries programs."
Mention you're a constituent and voter
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.
Script 1: Personal Angler Focus
Best for: Individual recreational anglers, fishing enthusiasts
Opening:
"Hi, this is [YOUR NAME] from [CITY/TOWN]. I'm a lifelong angler, and I'm calling about federal fisheries funding."
Key Points:
"I've been fishing for [X] years, and I've seen how government programs make a real difference. When they restore a reef or wetland, I see more fish. When they manage stocks properly, my fishing improves.
However, Congress is now cutting the funding for these programs. That means less habitat restoration, less research on fish populations, and less effective management.
I pay fishing license fees, excise taxes on my gear, and contribute to the economy every time I go fishing. Those dollars should support programs that work for anglers, not get redirected elsewhere.
I need [Representative/Senator NAME] to vote for full funding of NOAA Fisheries and habitat restoration programs."
Closing:
"Politicians think anglers won't pay attention to these votes. They're wrong. I'm watching, and I'll remember how [he/she] votes on fisheries funding."
Script 2: Economic Impact Focus
Best for: Business owners, guides, coastal communities
Opening:
"Hi, my name is [YOUR NAME] and I'm a constituent from [CITY/TOWN]. I'm calling to ask [Representative/Senator NAME] to protect federal funding for fisheries programs."
Key Points:
"I want the [Representative/Senator] to know that marine recreational fishing generates over $140 billion annually, which is more than 100 times NOAA Fisheries' entire budget. In our district alone, fishing supports [local businesses/jobs/tourism].
Federal cuts to fish science and habitat restoration not only harm fish but also impact our local economy. When fish populations crash because we didn't fund the science to predict it, our businesses suffer.
I'm asking [Representative/Senator NAME] to fully fund NOAA Fisheries programs and habitat restoration. These aren't just environmental programs, they're economic investments that pay dividends in our community."
Closing:
Anglers are watching how Congress votes on these issues. We vote, we contribute to the economy, and we expect our representatives to protect what supports our livelihoods. Thank you.
Script 3: Conservation & Future Generations Focus
Best for: Angling parents, young anglers, conservation-minded constituents
Opening:
"Hello, I'm [YOUR NAME], a voter in [CITY/TOWN]. I'm calling because I'm concerned about proposed cuts to federal fisheries programs."
Key Points:
"I want [Representative/Senator NAME] to understand that federal fish science and habitat programs are what keep our waters healthy for the next generation. These programs help us understand what's happening to fish populations before it's too late.
My [kids/grandkids] fish with me, and I want them to have the same opportunities I had growing up. However, that requires investment in science and habitat restoration that keeps fish populations abundant.
Climate change and increased fishing pressure necessitate better data and adaptive management, not less. Cutting these programs is like flying blind; by the time we notice problems, it's too late to fix them."
Closing:
"I'm asking the [Representative/Senator] to support full funding for fisheries science and habitat restoration. Our children's fishing opportunities depend on the decisions you make today."
Script 4: Industry Professional Focus
Best for: Fishing guides, tackle shop owners, marina operators, fishing industry workers
Opening:
"Good [morning/afternoon], I'm [YOUR NAME] and I [own/work at] [BUSINESS NAME] in [CITY/TOWN]. I'm calling about federal fisheries funding that directly affects my business."
Key Points:
"My livelihood depends on healthy fish populations and accessible waters. Federal programs fund the science that prevents fish crashes, the habitat restoration that enhances fishing, and the management that maintains access.
When politicians cut these programs, they're cutting what makes my business possible. If fish populations decline because we didn't fund the research to identify problems in advance, I lose customers. If habitats aren't restored, fishing gets worse in my area.
The fishing industry employs thousands of people in [STATE]. We're small businesses that depend on federal investment in fisheries science and habitat programs. These aren't handouts, they're smart investments that generate massive economic returns.
I need [Representative/Senator NAME] to vote against cuts to NOAA Fisheries and to support robust funding for fish science and habitat restoration."
Closing:
"My business and my employees are counting on these programs. Please tell the [Representative/Senator] that the fishing industry is watching these votes closely."