December 2005 American Sportfishing Association Member
Update
Member Updates are periodic information sources for members of the
American Sportfishing Association and partners on issues of interest
to the future of fishing. For more information, contact
ASA
Communications, 703.519.9691.
This is a partial list of the topics covered in this update. Please
scroll down for the complete document. ASA Member Updates are available
in the ASA
Newsroom.
Federal Manufacturers’ Excise Tax Update
FishAmerica Classic Angler Charity Auction
Upcoming ASA Board Meetings
Second Annual CA Anglers’ Caucus
ICAST 2006—Hooked on Innovation
2006 Sportfishing Summit—Mark Your Calendars for Sunny San Diego
National Fishing and Boating Week 2006
Welcome New Members!
Member Services Needs Your Help
Policy Watch—Government Affairs Update
NOAA Award Nominations due in January
Future Fisherman Foundation Updates
FishAmerica Foundation Updates
Message from ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman
Federal Manufacturers’ Excise Tax Update
The IRS continues to review a document submitted by ASA, at the IRS’s request, outlining members’ comments and proposed scenarios regarding the IRS’s revised essential terms scenario document distributed during a November 1, 2005, meeting. The IRS will meet with ASA’s Excise Tax Committee and archery industry representatives on January 31, 2006, to discuss the comments on the essential terms scenario’s document. This meeting was originally scheduled for December 14, 2005. The IRS has indicated this document, once finalized, will be available to taxpayers and agents via the IRS Web site. The IRS’s draft document can be reviewed on the ASA Web site under the Government Affairs section, Federal Excise Tax Update. For more information, contact ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman, x233, or ASA VP Gordon Robertson, x237.
Classic Angler Charity Auction Supports FishAmerica Gulf Fund
Octagon, eBay and four pro anglers have teamed up to raise money for the FishAmerica Foundation’s Gulf Coast restoration efforts. From January 16-26, 2006, eBay will host the “Classic Anglers Auction” to raise money for the FishAmerica Gulf Fund. Davy Hite, Mike Iaconelli, Kevin VanDam and Takahiro Omori contributed items for bid including a bass boat, a VIP tackle box, a day on the water and a year of wearing a logo patch representing the highest bidder’s company. Interested bidders should visit www.fishamerica.org beginning January 9 to pre-qualify for the auction. The Classic Anglers Auction has been designated and endorsed as a 'charity auction' by Missionfish of the Points of Light Foundation. Other than basic expenses, the FishAmerica Foundation is the beneficiary of the proceeds. For more information, visit www.fishamerica.org or contact John Bryan, 804.356.9552.
Upcoming ASA Board Meeting
The ASA Board of Directors is scheduled to meet Friday, March 3, 2005, in conjunction with the ASA/Fred Hall Fishing Tackle and Boat Show in Long Beach, Calif. The Show Committee meets Saturday morning, March 4. The Nominating Committee meets the morning of March 3, prior to the Board meeting. Please contact Joyce Anderson, 703.519.9691, x233, for more information or to confirm attendance.
Second Annual CA Anglers’ Caucus
The second annual northern California Anglers’ Caucus will meet for a breakfast briefing on Sat., January 7, 2006, during the ASA/Fred Hall Show at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman, Representative George Miller (D-CA), Ryan Broddrick, director, Calif. Department of Fish and Game, members of the Calif. Fish and Game Commission, members of the Coastside Fishing Club and representatives from other state agencies and anglers groups will be there to brief breakfast attendees. The show is scheduled from January 4-8. A second anglers’ caucus will meet for a lunch briefing on Thursday, March 2 during the show at the Long Beach Convention Center, March 1-5, in Long Beach, Calif. Ryan Broddrick and members of the Calif. Fish and Game Commission, representatives and members of United Anglers of Southern California and other agencies and organizations will be there to brief attendees. For more information, contact Bart Hall, 805.389.3339.
ICAST 2006—Hooked On Innovation
With over 90 percent of the show floor already reserved, ICAST 2006 is on track for another record breaking year. ICAST booth sales are a hot ticket soaring well ahead of last year’s pace. Booth space is limited so all interested companies should submit a booth space contract as soon as possible. The New Product Showcase, the show’s flagship feature, is expected to garner even more attention in 2006 as competition for the "Best of Show" awards intensifies. Look for new information on the Showcase in the coming weeks. Sponsorship opportunities are currently in the works and should be available in early 2006 as well as the annual Exhibitor Promo Pak. Once again, ICAST will coincide with the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s Marine After Market and Accessories Trade Show (MAATS). ICAST 2007 is scheduled for July 11-13 in Las Vegas. For a booth space contract or to get the most current ICAST information, contact ICAST coordinator Kelly Camirand, x231.
2006 Sportfishing Summit—Mark Your Calendars for Sunny San Diego
ASA invites its members and partners to join us for the 2006 Sportfishing Summit scheduled for October 18–20 at the Paradise Point Resort and Spa in San Diego, Calif. ASA’s staff and Board of Directors met immediately after the 2005 Summit to jump-start the planning process for 2006. ASA plans to have a program in place and information distributed before ICAST 2006. For more information, contact Mary Jane Williamson, x227.
National Fishing and Boating Week 2006
ASA’s 2006 National Fishing and Boating Week events will be held on June 5-7, 2006 in the Washington, D.C. area. Highlights of the event include a members and guests reception and boat cruise on the Potomac River; various ASA committee meetings; a luncheon with a briefing from a Member of Congress, a Capitol Hill reception and meetings with Members of Congress and federal agency administrators. Please plan to attend and make your voice heard on important sportfishing issues. For more information, contact Patrick O’Rouke, x230.
Welcome New Members!
ASA welcomes these new members or members who reinstated their membership in November: Dee’s Diamond Flashers, Faultline Outdoors, Fly Fishers of Virginia, Inc., Pepper’s Eyeware, Slam Gear, Inc., Tormenter Fishing Products and Wingli Craftwork Factory.
Membership Services Needs Your Help
In order to have the most current contact information, we’re asking ASA members to please update your company’s listing for our Member Directory. Please go to the Member Directory on ASA’s Web site to check your listing and e-mail any changes to Ann Sweeney, Membership assistant, x241. Thank you for assistance in helping us to maintain this important resource.
Policy Watch—Government Affairs Update
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.
Sale of Public Land Proposal Withdrawn
A provision in a House budget reconciliation bill that would have made possible the sale of public lands to mining and other companies was pulled from the bill. ASA joined forces with 24 other fishery and conservation groups in a united effort to have the provision removed. A joint letter was sent to members of Congress opposing the sale of public lands to mining companies and other developers because it would “open these previously public lands to development, fragmentation, habitat loss and potential pollution.”
Landmark Legislation Introduced to Improve America’s Waters
After years of work by ASA and others in the fisheries community, a streamlined version of the Fishable Waters Act will be included in the Clean Water Trust Act of 2005. The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) applauds the landmark legislation introduced by Chairman John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-TN) of the House Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee to address America’s growing infrastructure funding crisis. The Clean Water Trust Act of 2005 (H.R. 4560) will provide $7.35 billion annually to improve America’s waters.The Clean Water Trust Act will enhance fisheries through controlling sewer overflows, improving wetlands, encouraging research, spurring new technologies, enhancing investment in small and rural utilities and protecting critical regional waters such as the Great Lakes, Chesapeake Bay and Gulf of Mexico.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Activity Continues
On December 15, the Senate Commerce Committee approved a revised bill reauthorizing the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act. Most of ASA's top priorities—guidelines for no-fishing areas, consideration of economic data from all sectors, improving the Scientific and Statistical Committee, setting up an angler registration system, improved data collection, provisions for rationalizing commercial fleets and bycatch provisions—were included in revisions to the bill. ASA will continue to work with key members of the Senate and their staff as the bill moves to consideration by the full Senate.
Lawsuit Challenges Off Road Vehicle Use in National Park Service Lands
ASA joined with the Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Alliance, United 4 Wheel Drive Association, Dare County (NC) and other groups as an intervener in a lawsuit to defend vehicle access at Cape Hatteras. The Bluewater Network (a division of Friends of the Earth), the National Park Conservation Association and Wildlands CPR have filed a lawsuit asking the court to terminate all off road vehicle use in national seashores, national recreation areas and other Park Service lands that have not adopted regulations. If such an order were entered, many coastal areas would be shut off to angler access during rulemaking processes that could take many years. ASA has agreed to join other affected parties to intervene in the lawsuit to protect off road access.
Alaska Charter IFQs Put on Hold
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council voted at their early December meeting to establish a working group to revisit the management of the charter halibut fleet. This move effectively removes from consideration the proposed Charter Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) program that had been previously submitted to NOAA for review. ASA had filed comments with the Council opposing the imposition of IFQs for charter fishing and requesting that the proposal be withdrawn from NOAA.
Wetlands Protection Challenged
In a move that may resolve unanswered questions left after the Court's decision in a previous case, the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear two cases concerning filling of wetlands. ASA has joined with other conservation organizations to file a “Friend of the Court” brief supporting the administration's view that the wetlands in question are subject to regulation. The two consolidated cases have challenged the federal government's right to regulate certain wetlands that are at the headwaters of, or adjacent to, streams. A ruling restricting the government's ability to control filling of these wetlands could seriously endanger many wetlands that serve as nursery grounds for fish, protect against the impacts of floods and keep pollutants from reaching surface waters.
FishNet Looks to 2006
In November, ASA convened a meeting of FishNet to discuss its course of action for 2006. Among the issues discussed were Forest Service Rise to the Future program needs, energy policy, the 2007 Farm Bill, the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture, Magnuson-Stevens reauthorization, the National Fish Habitat Action Plan, the Open Rivers Initiative, the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service “Scaling Up” events, the Fish Passage Center, a BLM update, Casting Call 2006 and National Fishing and Boating Week 2006.
NOAA Award Nominations due in January
NOAA’s Stewardship & Sustainability Awards recognize outstanding performance, achievements and leadership by companies, organizations and individuals that promote best stewardship practices for the sustainable use of living marine resources. NOAA is seeking nominations from marine fisheries stakeholders including industry, environmental or trade organizations, individuals and government agencies. The deadline for nominations is January 10, 2006. For details on the nomination and selection process, contact Laurel.Bryant@noaa.gov, or visit NOAA’s Web site.
Future Fisherman Foundation Update
For more information on Future Fisherman activities contact Acting Executive Director Laura Jerome, x254 or Program Coordinator Jesse Graytock, x224.
Executive Director Search
A search for a new Executive Director for the Future Fisherman Foundation continues. Preliminary phone conversations have been conducted with potential candidates. The goal is to have the new director in place by the end of January 2006. For more information, contact Gordon Robertson, x237.
National Fishing and Boating Education Grants Initiative Branches Out
The National Fishing and Boating Education Grants Initiative began as a grant program with awards of up to $5,000 for physical education teachers to teach fishing and boating. In cooperation with the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, the program is now also available to recreation and parks personnel to include fishing and/or boating in their public recreation classes. A training workshop for the recreation and parks personnel is scheduled for January 23–26 in Ala.
National Fishing and Boating Education Grants Initiative Program Update
To date, 11 of the 34 schools awarded grants for the 2005/2006 school year started their program instruction with three schools offering ice fishing instruction—Milwaukee Lutheran High School (Wisconsin), Rhinelander Highs School (Wisconsin) and Woodland Elementary (Michigan). Thirty-two of the 43 2004/2005 recipients have completed the required reporting process.
Hooked On Fishing–Not On Drugs® Leadership to Meet
The HOFNOD Advisory Committee is meeting in January to discuss the future of the HOFNOD program. The foundation would like to hear comments about the program and will take comments to the January meeting. Please direct your comments or questions to Laura Jerome, x 254.
FishAmerica Foundation Updates
For more information about FishAmerica activities, contact Managing Director Johanna Laderman, x245 or Grants Coordinator Jeff Bloem, x247. For more information about the Gulf Fund, contact Philanthropy Officer John Bryan, 804.356.9552.
Zebco Supports FishAmerica Gulf Fund
Zebco created Operation F.I.S.H. (Fishermen In Support of Hurricane Relief) as an industry-wide fundraising campaign to raise money for the FishAmerica Gulf Fund. Zebco commissioned the design of a special Operation F.I.S.H. ball cap to be used as the focal point for the campaign. Zebco has already kicked off this effort by purchasing and donating the first 1,000 hats. The Game Headwear, of Phenix City, Ala., is providing the hats at cost, and Mailing Services, Inc., of Richmond, Va., is providing fulfillment services. For a $20 or more contribution to the Gulf Fund, FishAmerica will send a F.I.S.H hat. To purchase a hat, visit www.fishamerica.org.
Support Operation F.I.S.H and the Gulf Fund
ASA members and other organizations can support the Operation F.I.S.H initiative by purchasing and donating the hats to FishAmerica. Operation F.I.S.H. hats have no branding other than the project name, however, participating donors can benefit from their own publicity efforts in support of the project and through FishAmerica’s announcements. To obtain information on how to purchase and donate hats, contact John Bryan, 804.356.9552.
Primedia Gulf Fund Subscription Offer
Primedia is offering discounted subscription rates to In-Fisherman, Fly Fisherman, and Walleye In-Sider in support of the FishAmerica Gulf Fund. Half of each $10 subscription to these magazines will go to the fund. To order your subscription or for more information, visit www.fishamerica.org.
Gulf Fund Contributors
FishAmerica thanks the following companies and individuals for their cash or in-kind contributions to the Gulf Fund: G.Loomis; John Mazurkiewicz; TTI-Blakemore Fishing Group; Octagon; eBay; pro anglers Davy Hite, Mike Iaconelli, Kevin VanDam, and Takahiro Omori; Zebco/WC Bradley; The Game and Mailing Services Inc.; Primedia and ASA staff.
$800,000 Available for Habitat Restoration
Up to $800,000 for local, on-the-ground sportfish habitat restoration projects is available through FishAmerica’s partnership with the NOAA Restoration Center. Proposals are due January 27, 2005. Successful proposals will restore habitat important to marine and anadromous fish species (salmon and striped bass) along coastal America and the Great Lakes. Grants up to $50,000 will be awarded on June 30after approval by FishAmerica’s Conservation Committee. The partnership, in its eighth year, has awarded more than $3.5 million for community projects to restore sportfish habitat in 25 states.
FLW Outdoors Renews Conservation Partnership
FLW Outdoors is once again partnering with the FishAmerica Foundation to enhance fisheries at each of the seven tournament sites along the 2006 Wal-Mart FLW Tournament Trail. FLW will donate $5,000 to FishAmerica at each of the seven stops. FishAmerica will also team up again with BP Castrol on the “It’s My World” wristbands—available for donations of $1 or more at the tournament Family Fun Zones and www.fishamerica.org. The wristband promotion, recently featured on boxes of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes sold in Wal-Mart Stores, has raised an additional $7,200 for FishAmerica efforts. Since 2000, FLW has donated $285,000 (including the 2006 pledge) resulting in more than $2 million in local projects.
FishAmerica Contributors
Since October 1, 24 members of the American Sportfishing Association have donated more than $17,500 through direct donations, FishAmerica Gulf Fund donations, licensed-product sales, tournament partnerships and endowment donations. These members include: American Rod & Gun; Angler's Choice by Suncoast; Calderone & Associates; Carrera-Werner Sales Company; E-Tackle, Inc.; Ferguson-Keller & Associates, Inc.; Fishing and Hunting News; Frank and Fran's Fisherman's Friend; G.Loomis; KFM & Associates; Kreha Corporation of America; Lamiglas, Inc.; Lipper Tools, Inc.; Ludwikoski and Associates, Inc. ; Magic Products, Inc.; NETGRA; Pacific Products; Pro Line Manufacturing; Reel E Good Products, Inc. ; Sportco Marketing, Inc.; Tormenter Fishing Products; TTI-Blakemore Fishing Group; Yakima Bait Company; and Zebco/WC Bradley. Names in bold are new since the November 2005 update.
Message from ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman
Here we are, just days away from the beginning of 2006. It’s been four years since I became president of the American Sportfishing Association and the association has accomplished a lot in those four years. Attendance at ICAST, National Fishing and Boating Week and the Sportfishing Summit are up as we develop new and innovative ways to meet the needs of our membership. Our Government Affairs program, our consumer shows and our foundations, FishAmerica Foundation and the Future Fisherman Foundation, are vital components of the association that help ensure a healthy business environment for our industry.
Looking ahead, what gives me the most confidence is that there's a terrific group of 20 talented people here at ASA who make service to our membership a fundamental way of doing business every day. They make things happen because of persistence, creativity and genuine dedication to our members. However, over the past four years, you, our members, have become more engaged in the work of the association and it’s your involvement that makes all the difference in our success. My thanks go to the Board of Directors, our committee members and our partners in the sportfishing community for your support and dedication to the association.
ASA’s partnership with the Fred Hall Fishing Tackle and Boat Shows attract hundreds of thousands of avid California anglers. Bart Hall likes to say these events are like "sports shows on steroids." They provide ASA with a vital revenue stream we use to boost our efforts to protect your interests and help your business succeed. That's why we all have a stake in their success. But the shows don't just give us a good source of funds. We believe that partnering with consumer shows is an important way to support the sportfishing industry and provide a way for anglers, boaters and outdoor enthusiasts to support the vital work of the association.
It seems that all good things policy-wise come with an enormous investment of patience and perseverance. This month, the Senate Commerce Committee approved a revised bill reauthorizing the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act. Most of ASA's top priorities—guidelines for no-fishing areas, consideration of economic data from all sectors, improving the Scientific and Statistical Committee, setting up an angler registration system, improved data collection, provisions for rationalizing commercial fleets and bycatch provisions—were included in revisions to the bill. We will continue to work with key members of the Senate and their staff as the bill moves to consideration by the full Senate.
Finally, and I can’t place enough emphasis on this, if we’re going to grow our sport, we all need to get behind the “Take Me Fishing” campaign. Join with me in making it a New Year’s resolution to take at least one new person out on the water in 2006. Sharing our passion for our sport is one of the most important ways we can all make a difference in angling participation.
On behalf of the ASA staff, I want to wish you and your families a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
