April 2006 American Sportfishing Association Policy Watch
Policy Watch is a monthly update for the sportfishing community about
American Sportfishing Association’s Government Affairs activities.
For more information on ASA Government Affairs activities, contact Gordon
Robertson, VP and Government Affairs lead, x237 or Carol
Forthman, director, Ocean Resource Policy, x244 at 703.519.9691.
Commerce Department Supports 2006 Ocean Salmon Season
As of April 27, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) of the Department
of Commerce had not yet announced its support of the near unanimous April 6
Pacific Fishery Management Council’s (PFMC) decision to open the 2005
recreational ocean salmon fishing season. When released, the announcement will
be the culmination of weeks of effort on behalf of the American Sportfishing
Association, Coastside Fishing Club, ASA’s West Coast members, the Fish
Sniffer (a West Coast media outlet) and other angling groups who joined
together to inform the administration and state and federal policy makers about
the issue and its impact on the sportfishing community. Over 8,000 individuals
and ASA members sent e-mails and letters to Members of Congress, state elected
officials and federal and state agency leaders through ASA’s Web site
alone. The California season will run from May 1 through November 12. For more
information, contact Gordon Robertson,
x237.
Federal Manufacturers’ Excise Tax Update
ASA is still waiting for the final version of the IRS Director's Industry Directive
concerning scenarios and factors determining how excise taxes should be paid
by sportfishing manufacturers. As of April 27, 2006, the document is still
being reviewed by the IRS. ASA members will be notified when the document
is available.
NRC Releases Report Critical of Recreational Data Collection
On March 29, the National Research Council, National Academies of Science,
released a report about the Marine Fisheries Statistical Survey (MRFSS).
On March 29, a panel member stated that the data was “fatally flawed” and
should be “completely redesigned.” The sportfishing community
has long been critical of the data, especially its use for management decisions.
The report confirmed that MRFSS data was not designed for such a purpose
and could not be statistically supported. A free, printable copy of the
report summary, as well as a downloadable version of the entire report,
is available on the NAS Web site.
Saltwater and Freshwater Subcommittees Hold Joint Meeting in Texas
In
early April, 11 members of the Freshwater and Saltwater Government Affairs
subcommittees met in Texas with a full agenda of issues. The agenda included
updates on legislation such as the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Act, Farm
Bill, invasive species legislation and Endangered Species Act. Also
discussed were the recent Pacific Coast salmon issues, access issues and
updates on ASA Political Action Committee. Committee members also
discussed emerging energy issues and their potential impacts on fisheries.
Committee members and staff heard a presentation from EPA on mercury and
fish consumption advisories relating to mercury and other health hazards.
Meetings Regarding Magnuson-Stevens Bill
In March, ASA met with House Resource Committee staff to discuss recreational
issues for the House of Representatives Magnuson–Stevens Reauthorization
proposed bills. Two bills have been introduced, one by Representative Pombo
(R-CA) and the other by Representative Gilchrest (R-MD). Of the two, ASA
supports Rep. Pombo's bill as it more closely follows the Senate bill. The
Gilchrest bill has several sections that are unworkable and would adversely
affect sportfishing. It does have some elements of the Senate bill
omitted in Rep. Pombo's bill. No hearings have yet been scheduled.
In April, ASA, along with representatives of the Teddy Roosevelt Conservation
Partnership (TRCP) met with staff from Representative Jim Saxton's (R-NJ)
office concerning the Magnuson-Stevens reauthorization bills filed by Representative
Pombo (R-CA) and Representative Gilchrest (R-MD). Since both bills have
issues positive to sportfishing and issues that are not as favorable, ASA
expects to continue working with Representative Saxton on a final bill
that protects and advances the sportfishing issues.
ASA Meets with EPA Assistant Administrator
ASA staff met with the EPA’s Assistant Administrator to discuss
establishing a briefing for the sportfishing community on endocrine interrupters
which are causing abnormalities in fisheries across the nation. Clean Water
Trust legislation was also discussed. ASA suggested that it would
be useful to have studies to determine how fish consumption advisories
are understood by the angling public, and how the advisories may impact
sportfishing participation.
ASA Meets with Ros-Lehtinen Chief of Staff
ASA met with Iliana Ros-Lehtinen’s (R-FL) Chief of Staff regarding
marine issues. Representative Ros-Lehtinen is Co-chair of the National
Marine Sanctuaries Caucus and a member to the House Oceans Caucus and the
Gulf of Mexico Caucus. Her district includes the Florida Keys, including
the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. ASA has scheduled a follow
up meeting at her office to discuss sportfishing issues.
