November 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
October/November Issue of American Sportfishing
Available
New Data and Stats Service for ASA Members
ICAST 2006—Hooked on Innovation
2006 Sportfishing Summit—Mark Your Calendars
for Sunny San Diego
Welcome New Members!
ASA Membership Invoices Sent
ASA/Fred Hall Shows
Policy Watch—Government Affairs Update
Future Fisherman Foundation Updates
FishAmerica Foundation Updates
Message from ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman
Federal Manufacturers’ Excise Tax Update
The IRS is currently reviewing a document submitted by ASA outlining
members’ comments and proposed scenarios regarding the IRS’s
revised essential terms scenario document distributed during a November
1 meeting. The IRS had asked the sportfishing and archery industries
to provide comments. The IRS will meet with ASA’s Excise Tax
Committee and archery industry representatives on December 14 to discuss
the comments on the essential terms scenario’s document. Once
this document is finalized, it will be available to taxpayers and agents
via the IRS Web site. The IRS has indicated it will be finalized in
early 2006. The IRS’s draft document can be reviewed on the ASA Web
site under the Government Affairs section, Federal Excise Tax
Update. A detailed article about this issue is in the current
edition of ASA’s newsletter.
For more information, contact ASA President and CEO Mike
Nussman, x233, or ASA VP Gordon
Robertson, x237.
October/November Issue of American Sportfishing Available
The October/November issue of American Sportfishing was
mailed out before the Thanksgiving holiday and is currently available
on ASA’s Web site. Click
here to
view or download the current issue. For more information, contact Mary
Jane Williamson, x227.
New Data and Stats Service for ASA Members
During the 2005 Sportfishing Summit, ASA announced a new service for association
members. In partnership with
SportscanINFO (SSI),
ASA members will receive a 20 percent discount on SportscanINFO’s
point-of-sale (POS) information services. This service, initiated
by ASA’s Data and Statistics Committee, provides the sportfishing
industry with better access to comprehensive POS data from many of
the major tackle and general sports retailers in the United States.
For more information on SSI’s services, contact Rob
Southwick, Southwick Associates and point of contact for ASA’s
Data and Statistics Committee, (904) 277-9765, or Barry
Gauthier, SportscanINFO, 561-615-0240.
ICAST 2006—Hooked On Innovation
As of November 23, 250 exhibitors have reserved 1,095 booths for ICAST
2006, scheduled for July 19-21 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
This means that 89 percent of the planned floor space is reserved;
an increase of more than 170 booths during the same time in 2005. With
nearly 90 percent of the floor already reserved, ICAST 2006 is on track
for another record breaking year. 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. In 2006, ICAST will, once again, 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 more information, contact ICAST Director
Maria
del Valle, x240.
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.
Welcome New Members!
ASA welcomes these new members or members who reinstated their membership in
October: Black Magic Tackle, Ltd.; IDEA America, LLC; Krexim International,
Inc.; Lael Enterprises, LLC; New York State Department of Environmental Conservation;
Professional Outdoor Media Association; Tackle Specialties, Inc.; Tarpon
Anglers Club, LLC; Tech Tackle; and Trust for Public Lands.
ASA Membership Invoices Sent
Membership
dues invoices for 2006 were mailed in early November. If
you did not receive your invoice or have any questions, contact Membership
Director Ric
Ice, x234 or Membership Assistant Ann
Sweeney, x241.
ASA/Fred Hall Shows
The West's most popular sportfishing
consumer shows, the ASA/Fred Hall Fishing Tackle and Boat Shows, are
just around the corner. The season kicks off January 4-8 at the Cow
Palace in San Francisco, Calif., and the excitement continues March
1-5 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, Calif., and
caps off with the final show of the year March 15-19 in San Diego,
Calif., at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. As
co-owner of these shows, ASA benefits from show revenues that support
advocacy and member services. For more information, contact Bart
Hall, 805.389.3339.
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.
Robertson Testifies Before Congress on Invasive Asian Carp
On
November 3, Gordon Robertson provided testimony before the House Fisheries
and Oceans Subcommittee on the problems with Asian Carp in the Great
Lakes and Upper Mississippi River system. Robertson described the sportfishing
community’s concerns stemming from these invasive
species. Also testifying were Congressman Mark Green (R-WI) and
representatives from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, International
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Great Lakes Fishery Commission,
Wisconsin Commercial Fisheries Association and Catfish Farmers of America.
Click here to
view Robertson’s testimony.
FishNet Holds Reception for New USFWS Director
On November
7, FishNet held a reception at ASA to welcome Dale Hall, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service’s incoming director. Hall
comes to Washington from his former post as the USFWS’s Southwest
Regional Director. Members used the opportunity to meet and describe
the interests of FishNet as a whole as well as their own individual
groups.
ASA Meets With Senator Crapo to Discuss Farm Bill
On November
17, ASA led a delegation comprised of BASS/ESPN, the International
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and Trout Unlimited to a
meeting with Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) and members of his staff to
review fisheries priorities in the 2007 Farm Bill. Items discussed
included the possible creation of a new Farm Bill program and modifications
to existing programs that would make them more conducive to fisheries
projects. ASA will work with Crapo and other members of Congress
to help ensure that fisheries are represented in the next version of
the bill.
ASA President and CEO Appointed to SFBP Council
In November,
Mike Nussman was appointed by the Secretary of the Interior to the
Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council, the leading federal
advisory committee on two of American’s most popular outdoor
pursuits. The Council includes 16 members who serve two-year terms
(as well as two ex officio members), making recommendations to the
Department of the Interior through the Director of the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service. Gordon Robertson, who represented ASA during
the November meeting of the Council in San Diego, Calif., was appointed
alternate.
Robertson Attends NASC’s Annual Meeting
On November
22, Gordon Robertson attended the 2nd Annual Sportsmen-Legislator Summit, “Promoting a Pro-Sportsmen’s Agenda,” which
serves as the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucus annual
meeting. Members met to formulate a unified front in protecting the
interests of sportsmen in state government. Robertson met with legislators
from 23 states. ASA also hosted a lunch to discuss several sportfishing
and angler access issues with state legislative leaders.
Cape Hatteras Access Issues
ASA recently gave testimony and
submitted written comments on alternatives for a proposed interim plan
for protected species at Cape Hatteras. The plan will address protection
of certain species while the negotiated rulemaking on motorized vehicle
access at the Cape proceeds. A new permanent superintendent has been
appointed at Cape Hatteras National Seashore following two interim
superintendents. ASA has met with the superintendent and will continue
to work with the Park Service to ensure reasonable vehicle access for
sportfishing.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Activity Continues
In October, the Senate
Commerce Committee heard testimony on the proposed Magnuson-Stevens
bill. It appears that the Committee is planning
to take up the bill on December 13, although no official hearing has
been scheduled. ASA has been working with Commerce Committee staff
and will be meeting with staff and other Committee members prior to
the hearing.
Katrina Follow-Up
The Senate Commerce Committee staff
is planning a trip to the Gulf of Mexico in December to review the
recovery efforts for the commercial fishery. ASA has worked with
other groups to have recovery efforts include ways to reduce the previous
overcapitalization of the fleet in the Gulf.
New Director for Coastal States Organization
The Coastal States
Organization has appointed Katherine Andrews as new Executive Director.
Andrews was previously the director for Florida's Coastal and Aquatic
Managed Areas program as well as coordinator of the Gulf of Mexico
Alliance. ASA has met with Andrews and is
looking forward to greater coordination between the two organizations.
Future Fisherman Foundation Update
For more information on Future Fisherman activities contact Laura
Jerome, x254 or Jesse
Graytock, x224.
Executive Director Search
A screening committee is in place to review applicants for the Executive
Director of the Future Fisherman Foundation. The committee intends
to conduct interviews during the month of December. November 30 was
the deadline for application submissions. For more information about
the Executive Director position, contact Gordon
Robertson, ASA VP, x237.
National Fishing and Boating Grants Initiative
The Future
Fisherman Foundation is working with the Recreational Boating & Fishing
Foundation on a National Fishing and Boating Grants Initiative aimed
at parks and recreation personnel. The initial workshop for grant
recipients will be January 23-26, 2006, location to be determined.
The workshop will focus on helping grant recipients acquire resources
and training in spin fishing, fly fishing and fly tying, canoeing and
kayaking. Up to 20 parks and recreation personnel are expected
to participate. The foundation is creating the workshop manuals, lining
up instructors and assisting with conducting the workshop.
2005 Future Fisherman Statistics
- 1,145 confirmed new HOFNOD instructors in FY 2005.
- Approximately $103,166 in gross sales through the Tackle Box Equipment
Service to not-for-profit organizations that promote fishing and/or
boating.
- 160,018 confirmed youth and adults involved with HOFNOD
in FY 2005.
- 10,237 of confirmed adults and youth involved with the
National PE Fishing and Boating Grants Initiative during FY 2005.
FishAmerica Foundation Updates
For more information about FishAmerica activities, contact Johanna
Laderman, x245 or Jeff
Bloem, x247.
FishAmerica Makes Mark on Kellogg’s Corn Flakes Boxes
In
partnership with FLW Outdoors, BP Lubricants USA, Kellogg’s
and Wal-Mart, FishAmerica’s “It’s My World” wristbands
have made their debut on the side panel of the Championship Edition
of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes. The cereal box, featuring the
Wal-Mart FLW Outdoors 2005 Land O’Lakes Angler of the Year, invites
consumers to purchase wristbands to help FishAmerica maintain our nation’s
fisheries and habitat. The boxes of Corn Flakes are available in Wal-Mart
SuperCenters across the nation. The wristbands have raised more
than $1,200 for the foundation. To get your wristband and support FishAmerica,
visit www.fishamerica.org.
Gulf Fund Receives First Donations
On November 2, FishAmerica announced the establishment of the FishAmerica
Gulf Fund to help restore the sport fisheries and fishing facilities
in areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The story was carried
by the New York Post and several other publications. FishAmerica
accepts cash, checks or credit card contributions. Please make checks
payable to FishAmerica Gulf Fund and mail to FishAmerica, 225 Reinekers
Lane, Suite 420, Alexandria, VA, 22314 or go online to www.fishamerica.org for
information on credit card donations.
Grants Available for Habitat Restoration Projects
FishAmerica
recently announced the availability of up to $800,000 for marine and
anadromous fish habitat restoration projects through FishAmerica’s
partnership with the NOAA Restoration Center. Proposals up to $50,000
are due January 27, 2006. Since 2000, FishAmerica has partnered with
NOAA to fund more than 200 projects valued nearly $3.5 million. These
projects have restored habitat in 24 states for sportfish including
salmon, trout, striped bass, bluefish, snook, tarpon, redfish, black
drum, sheepshead and flounder.
Grant Proposals Due for Chesapeake Bay Restoration Efforts
Proposals
are due December 2 for community-based, fisheries habitat restoration
efforts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed of Maryland. FishAmerica
has teamed up with the Chesapeake Bay Trust to make up to $100,000
in funding available for 2006. Projects will restore fish and
habitat, improve water quality and enhance fish stocks in this ecologically
critical bay and its tributary rivers in Maryland. Since 2004,
the partnership has funded eight projects, valued at over $148,300.
FishAmerica Contributors
Since the beginning of the new fiscal
year (October 1), 9 members of the American Sportfishing Association
have donated more than $14,600 through direct donations, donations
to the FishAmerica Gulf Fund, licensed-product sales, tournament partnerships
and endowment donations. These
members include: Calderone & Associates; G.Loomis; Lipper
Tools; Magic Products, Inc.; NETGRA; Pacific
Products; Pro Line Manufacturing; Sportco Marketing;
and the Yakima Bait Company. Names in bold are
new since October 2005 update.
Message from ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman
From my perspective, for our members, there is no issue of greater importance
to our industry than the manufacturer’s federal excise tax. The fair
and equitable application of the excise tax law creates an equitable playing
field in a highly competitive industry as well as provides essential funding
for management of fisheries and boating access in this country.
In March, ASA’s Board of Directors made it a top priority to
establish a dialog with the Internal Revenue Service and keep the communication
lines open between the IRS and our members by establishing the Excise
Tax Committee. As your trade association, it is mission critical to
ensure that the federal excise tax is applied fairly and equitably
across the board so that the tax does not influence competition.
On November 1, the IRS presented its revised essential terms scenario
document to the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund Working
Group and asked for comments from the sportfish and archery industries
in anticipation of a December 14 meeting in Washington, D.C. We moved
quickly to inform our members and I thank everyone who provided comment
and new tax scenarios for the IRS’s review. The IRS’s document
is available on our Web site. A more detailed update on this issue
is in the latest edition of American
Sportfishing, our association’s newsletter.
From the association’s standpoint there are three outcomes that
must come from this review process: 1) fair and consistent application
of the laws regarding the excise tax; 2) the IRS must take into consideration
that its revised interpretation of essential terms has lead to companies
being out of compliance and that these companies should not be penalized
for the IRS’s inconsistent application of the law; and 3) the
IRS is clear that the industry values maintaining the revenue
integrity of the trust fund established by the 1950 Sport Fish Restoration
Act.
However, having said all this, from all indications, it appears that
the IRS intends to wrap up this process by the end of 2005 and move
forward with new guidelines in early 2006. ASA, through its member
leadership and your colleagues, represents your best interests in this
debate and will continue to do so. As I said in my message in the October/November
issue of American Sportfishing, our job as your trade association
is to make a difference and we will continue to advocate for your best
interests with the IRS.
If you have any questions about this process, please don’t hesitate
to contact me,
703-519-9691, x233, or Gordon
Robertson, x237.
