2007 Sportfishing Summit Highlights!
Highlights of the 2007 Sportfishing Summit
2007 Sportfishing Summit Brings Industry Leaders Together
Success in the sportfishing industry increasingly depends upon fishing access and engaging new anglers in the sport. Recently, more than 140 sportfishing industry leaders representing nearly 90 companies and organizations from the United States, Canada and Europe gathered at the American Sportfishing Association’s (ASA) annual Sportfishing Summit to focus their efforts on these two key issues.
The Summit was held October 10-12, 2007, at the Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Sanibel, Fla. Throughout the Summit, attendees enjoyed the Hospitality Suite, a great place to relax and mingle, sponsored by ZEBCO/WC Bradley.
“Our Summit is the only venue where ASA members can meet with federal and state government leaders, other organizations and the outdoor media to discuss the most pressing issues that affect sportfishing,” said Mike Nussman, ASA president and CEO. “For that reason, this year’s Summit agenda focused on participation and access.”
Access and Participation Drive Sportfishing Summit Discussions
ASA’s Board of Directors met twice during the Summit: on Tuesday and on Friday. During Friday’s meeting, the Board reviewed the actions of ASA’s Committees, which met on Wednesday. In response to the association’s active involvement in California’s Marine Life Protection Act Initiative, the Board of Directors adopted an official position on marine protected areas (MPAs). The Board also approved the publishing of a new Today’s Angler and that the report be provided to ASA members at no cost.
On Wednesday evening, a welcome reception held on the shores of Sanibel Harbour, gave attendees the opportunity to meet and network.
Thursday’s sessions were dedicated to participation, with presentations on the latest data from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, generational changes and how they may affect sportfishing, a report from the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation and a presentation on new technologies being developed to determine more specific demographics of anglers and boaters.
Friday began with a keynote address by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne, who expressed the Department’s support for recreational angling. The Secretary was followed by a panel discussion that gave attendees the opportunity to hear the about the access issue from the federal, environmental and conservation points of view.
The Summit concluded Friday with the General Membership Meeting. At the meeting, activities of the Committees and ASA’s Board of Directors were reviewed for the benefit of the membership.
