Earlier this year, we challenged those of you who care about the health of our waters to no longer accept the status quo and be ready to take action. Today, we are asking you to answer that challenge.

For generations, fishing has been an essential part of life along the Gulf Coast. It’s why we settled here in the first place. From the Mississippian Era to today, fishing our waters has given those who live in coastal Alabama much sustenance and many memories. Days that begin with early morning trips to the water and end that evening with the family gathering around as fresh a dinner as you could ever have. Days like these have been the way of life for many in the region.

In coastal Alabama, fishing is not just a pastime or a source of sustenance, it is a part of who we are. However, over many years, our waters and fish have been changed by pollution. In fact, 217 advisories recommend limiting fish consumption in various water bodies across Alabama!

Now, Alabama has an opportunity to protect the health of everyone who eats wild-caught fish from our waters with the Safe and Healthy Outdoor Recreation (SHOR) Act of 2023. Last week, Senator Linda Coleman-Madison introduced SB 105, the Safe and Healthy Outdoor Recreation Act (The SHOR Act), which will ensure outdoor recreationists, or paddlers, swimmers, and fishers across Alabama are better informed about fish consumption advisories in our rivers, streams, creeks, and bays. This bill has bipartisan support in the Alabama Senate. 

For generations, fishing has been an essential part of life along the Gulf Coast. It’s why we settled here in the first place. From the Mississippian Era to today, fishing our waters has given those who live in coastal Alabama much sustenance and many memories. Days that begin with early morning trips to the water and end that evening with the family gathering around as fresh a dinner as you could ever have. Days like these have been the way of life for many in the region.

In coastal Alabama, fishing is not just a pastime or a source of sustenance, it is a part of who we are. However, over many years, our waters and fish have been changed by pollution. In fact, 217 advisories recommend limiting fish consumption in various water bodies across Alabama!