December 2006 American Sportfishing Association Policy Watch
Policy Watch is a monthly update for the sportfishing community about the 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.
Congress Passes Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization
In one of its last actions before adjourning, the 109th Congress passed the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Reauthorization of 2006 (H.R. 5946). This Act, which is the primary federal law governing fisheries management, had not been updated since 1996. The Act makes a number of significant changes to the fisheries management system in the United States, including important advances for sportfishing. Over the past two years, ASA, along with other members of the conservation community, brought many of these important sportfishing issues to the fore during Congress’ consideration of the bill. The new Act contains most of these measures, including limits on the establishment of no-fishing zones; consideration of the economic impact of recreational fishing in allocation decisions; and a requirement to improve the quality and methodology of recreational sportfishing data. More information can be found on the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Web site.
ASA Ocean Policy Director Going to the Hill
Carol Forthman, ASA Ocean Resource Policy Director, is the new Legislative Director and Counsel for Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL), a freshman House Representative. Carol came to ASA in January 2005 as Ocean Policy Director when ASA embarked on efforts to reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation Act. She played a primary role in that legislative effort as well as in many other areas relating to ASA’s marine fisheries efforts.Establishing a policy director position for ocean resources was a growth step for ASA and Carol made an important contribution to our efforts. Saltwater sportfishing is the fastest growing segment of sportfishing and has many challenges the industry can’t ignore. We wish her the best and thank her for her dedication to the sportfishing industry.
Revisions to Recreational Data System Discussed
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has sponsored a number of regional conference calls to discuss NMFS' plan for revising the Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistical Survey. ASA participated in the conference calls and will submit further written comments on the plan. The plan may also be affected by the new provisions on recreational data in the Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization just passed by Congress.
Congress Passes Ocean Debris Bill
Another last minute bill that passed both houses of Congress was the Marine Debris Research and Reduction Act, sponsored by Senator Inouye (D-HI). The bill addresses the clean up of discarded material such as nets and other gear that accumulate on reefs and drifts in the ocean causing entanglement of fish, sea mammals and birds.
ASA Seeking New Policy Fellow
ASA is in the process of selecting a new Policy Fellow to its Government Affairs program. Patrick O'Rouke, the current policy fellow has completed the two year term, He will pursue his masters degree in fisheries management at the University of Florida.
ASA Attends Third National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses Meeting
In December, the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) held its third annual meeting at the International Game Fish Association in Florida. The National Assembly is the organization that collectively represents the 29 states that have formed sportsmen’s caucuses in their legislatures. In 2007, that number will grow to 32. The three day meeting focused on issues facing hunters and anglers in the states and how legislators can provide solutions to those challenges. ASA Vice President Gordon Robertson made a presentation on access issues facing anglers.
NOAA Presents Overview of National Marine Protected Area Framework
ASA attended a presentation on the National Marine Protected Area Framwork by the National Marine Protected Area Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The framework was developed under an Executive Order issued by President Clinton in May of 2000. The framework incorporates input from numerous meetings and will incorporate the recommendations included in a report by the Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee (MPAFAC). ASA Presdient and CEO Mike Nussman was a member of the committee. ASA will continue to review the Framework and the MPAFAC report and will submit comments on the Framework.
ASA Attends AFWS Leadership Summit
In December, at the invitation of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA), sportfishing industry members who pay excise taxes were invited to discuss issues of mutual concern with the AFWA’s leadership. Attending for ASA were: ASA Board Chairman Randy Lemcke; former board member and ASA Excise Tax Committee Chairman Geoff Ratte; Martin MacDonald, Bass Pro Shops; Matt Dunn, NMMA (for Thom Dammrich); ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman; and Vice President Gordon Robertson. Discussions centered around accountability regarding the excise tax funds and access and improved marketing of hunting and fishing opportunities in the states. Staff and members from the National Shooting Sports Foundation and the Archery Trade Association also participated.
ASA Continues Working on the 2007 Farm Bill
ASA is working with other members of the conservation community to ensure that the 2007 Farm Bill contains more opportunity for fisheries funding from the conservation title of the next reauthorization of the Farm Bill. ASA staff has attended many meetings and conference calls to find consensus positions on new and existing programs.
ASA Active in Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Policy Council
ASA is represented on both the Board of Directors and the Policy Council of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP). The Policy Council set the priorities for the Partnership. ASA participates in a number of the Partnership working groups that address issues for the protection and advancement of hunting and fishing. ASA participated in a TRCP working group on the Magnuson-Stevens Act which recently passed Congress. ASA recently attended a meeting of the Policy Council to set priorities for 2007.
