December 2009 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, vice president and Government Affairs lead, 703.519.9691, x237, Patty Doerr, Ocean Resource Policy director, x244, or Mike Leonard, Policy Fellow, x230.
ASA Testifies in Support of National Fish Habitat Conservation Act
California Marine Life Protection Act Planning Update
Proposed Lead Fishing Tackle Ban in Washington State Update
South Atlantic Red Snapper Fishery Closed
Ocean Policy Task Force Releases Marine Spatial Planning Report
Oregon Marine Reserves Update
Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Recovering
EPA Delays Decision on Ethanol Waiver Petition
NOAA Releases Draft Catch Share Policy
Omnibus Bill Regarding Recreational Fishing Data Collection
ASA Participates in NOAA Stakeholder Workshop
Lake Champlain Receives $6.5 Million for Fisheries Restoration
December FishNet Meeting
ASA Meets With EPA to Discuss Fisheries Program
NOAA Habitat Restoration Programs Receive Additional Money
Forest Service Rise to the Future Award Ceremony and Reception
ASA Testifies in Support of National Fish Habitat Conservation Act
On December 3, ASA Vice President Gordon Robertson testified before the United States Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works’ Subcommittee on Water and Wildlife in support of S. 1214, the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act (NFHCA). The next week, the Committee reported out the bill with a substitute amendment that included minor technical changes. The bill will next be voted on by the full Senate at a date to be determined. ASA continues to work with other members of the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act (NFHCA) legislative team to encourage House of Representatives members to support the companion bill in the House, H.R. 2565, and to seek additional sponsorship. In December, two additional House members signed on to the bill, including the first Republican – Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-LA). To ensure this bill is passed, please send a letter to your House of Representatives member today asking for him or her to support the NFHCA. Additional co-sponsors are needed for this bill to succeed. For more information, visit ASAfishing.org. The foundation for the NFHCA is the National Fish Habitat Action Plan (NFHAP). ASA Vice President Gordon Robertson sits on the NFHAP Board.
California Marine Life Protection Act Planning Update
On Wednesday, December 9, California's Fish and Game Commission heard reports and recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF) regarding the establishment of new marine protected areas (MPAs) along California's South Coast. These MPAs range from Point Conception to the Mexican border in accordance with the state's Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA). The commission is responsible for determining which one of the four MPA proposals submitted by the BRTF will be selected for the South Coast. The BRTF submitted its own Integrated Preferred Alternative proposal. The recreational fishing and boating community, represented by the Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO), is advocating for Proposal 2 because it provides a balanced approach based upon reliable science and a continuation of sound fisheries management policies which have resulted in the return of healthy fish populations and renewed ocean habitat off the California coastline. Proposal 2 also has the least impact on the economy. The next meeting of California's Fish and Game Commission is scheduled for February 3-4, 2010, at the Resources Building Auditorium, 1416 Ninth Street, Sacramento. To protect as much recreational fishing opportunity as possible, please send an e-mail or letter to the California Fish and Game Commission in support of Proposal 2 and voice your support for recreational fishing.
Proposed Lead Fishing Tackle Ban in Washington State Update
During its December 4 – 5, 2009, meeting in Olympia, Wash., the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission (WFWC) heard from ASA staff, anglers, recreational fishing organizations and the general public who spoke against a proposal that would unduly ban lead fishing tackle on selected state lakes. Advocates for the proposed ban suggest that lead fishing tackle is a significant threat to common loon populations. However, over the past 13 years, only nine loons are found to have died from ingesting lead fishing tackle. Many other studies have concluded that lead fishing tackle does not negatively impact loon populations, and that bans on lead fishing tackle are unwarranted. To view ASA’s full written statement, click here. The WFWC will hear additional comments during its January 2010 meeting. The commission will make a final decision during a February 2010 meeting. Please take action now to ensure that the WFWC will reject the proposed ban by sending an e-mail or letter to the commission.
South Atlantic Red Snapper Fishery Closed
On December 3, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced an interim rule that will prohibit commercial and recreational anglers from fishing for red snapper in federal waters off North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and the Atlantic coast of Florida. The six-month closure becomes effective on January 4, 2010, and can be extended an additional six months if NMFS deems it necessary. The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council requested the fisheries service implement this interim rule while the council explores long-term measures to address the critical condition of red snapper. Prior to the final announcement, ASA provided comments on the proposed rule expressing its concerns with the proposal, especially given the potential economic impact it would have on the recreational fishing sector, and urging NMFS to find a balance between fishing restrictions necessary for the conservation of the fishery and economic impact.
Ocean Policy Task Force Releases Marine Spatial Planning Report
President Obama’s Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force recently released its Interim Framework for Effective Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning (Interim Framework), which offers recommendations for planning and managing uses and activities in the nation’s oceans and coastal areas. The interim framework lays out a process for federal agencies to work with state and local governments and tribes to develop plans on a regional basis over the next five years, with scientific data forming the foundation of the regional plans. The Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force was created by President Obama on June 12, 2010, and was charged with drafting national ocean policy and developing a framework for marine spatial planning. The Task Force released its interim report on national ocean policy on September 17, and ASA submitted comments and held meetings with task force members in response. The interim framework is open for a 60-day public review and comment period.
Oregon Marine Reserves Update
ASA and its Oregon representative continue to engage with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) officials, state legislators and angler groups to refine the state’s process for establishing marine reserves. On December 11, the ODFW adopted Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations that will govern fishing and hunting in the newly created Otter Rock Marine Reserve and Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve and Marine Protected Area.In order to allow time to collect baseline information, the rules will not take effect until June 30, 2011. Per legislation that was signed into law this past summer, the state has designated two small marine reserves and will study an additional four areas for consideration. ASA is focusing on the four study areas and providing input on the criteria to determine how and if these study areas will become new reserves.
Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Recovering
A recent scientific study on Gulf of Mexico red snapper indicates that the current catch level can be increased from five million pounds to slightly more than 6.9 million pounds, though an increase to the total allowable catches (TAC) may not support an increase to the length of the recreational fishing season.TAC is currently split between the recreational (49 percent) and commercial (51 percent) sectors, with the commercial sector operating on an individual fishing quota program. Preliminary data indicate that the recreational fishery, which is managed though size limits, bag limits and seasonal closures, exceeded its annual quota by more than one million pounds in 2009. The scientific update was completed by a panel of experts selected by the Gulf Council and comprised of academic, state, and federal scientists. The panel presented their results to the Gulf Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee in early December. The Gulf Council will review this information at their next meeting in February in Mobile, Ala., and may make a recommendation to NOAA’s Fisheries Service to increase the current red snapper total catch level.
EPA Delays Decision on Ethanol Waiver Petition
On December 1, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it will delay a final decision on Growth Energy’s waiver petition to allow ethanol blends up to E15 until more testing data is available. No recreational marine engines, fuel systems or boats are currently designed, calibrated, certified or warranted to run on any fuel with more than 10 percent ethanol. Allowing higher ethanol blends could pose serious risks to recreational marine engines and boats, including increased air emissions, performance and durability issues, as well as warranty concerns. ASA is opposed to any increase in the amount of ethanol blended into a gasoline until tests are conducted and prove that such an increase would not detrimentally harm marine engine durability, performance or emissions.
NOAA Releases Draft Catch Share Policy
On December 10, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released a draft national policy that promotes the use of catch shares for federal fisheries. The proposal encourages regional fishery managers to use catch shares in an effort to end overfishing and restore depleted stocks. The proposal also acknowledges that catch shares may not be the best management option for every fishery or sector. The draft policy does not require the use of catch shares in any particular fishery or sector, but promotes and encourages the consideration of catch shares as a means to achieve the goals of sustainable fishery management. To view NOAA’s draft catch share policy click here or go to www.nmfs.noaa.gov. There is a 120-day public comment period.
Omnibus Bill Regarding Recreational Fishing Data Collection
In addition, an omnibus appropriations bill, which is expected to be signed by President Obama this week, directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service to provide a report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on how data collection for recreational catches will improve in fisheries where the commercial sector receives catch shares; and how allocation conflicts between recreational and commercial sectors will be resolved.
ASA Participates in NOAA Stakeholder Workshop
On December 2, ASA participated in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Next Generation Strategic Plan (NGSP) National Stakeholder Forum. The forum’s purpose is to allow stakeholders to provide input on NOAA's vision, mission, long-term goals and short-term objectives. ASA participated in sessions focused on NOAA’s goals towards: 1) sustainable fisheries, habitats and species; and 2) sustainable coastal communities and economies.
Lake Champlain Receives $6.5 Million for Fisheries Restoration
Congress has passed an omnibus appropriations bill that includes $6.5 million earmarked for "continued lamprey control, to expand invasive species control, native species and habitat restoration, and water quality improvements in the Lake Champlain Basin." The item, which was added to the International Fisheries Commission appropriations measure at the request of Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), represents more than a fourfold increase over last year’s $1.2 million appropriation for the lake. The bill has been approved by the Senate and is expected to be signed by President Obama this week.
December FishNet Meeting
In December, ASA hosted a FishNet meeting to discuss current fishery issues within the fisheries conservation community. Discussion focused on the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act, marine protected areas, Wallop Breaux reauthorization, the Federal Lands Transactions Facilitation Act, Klamath River dam removal and an initiative to improve canoe, kayak and fishing access at bridges. The group will meet again in February after federal budgets are released.
ASA Meets with EPA to Discuss Fisheries Program
In November, ASA, along with representatives from the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the American Recreation Coalition, met with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Public Outreach and National Fish and Wildlife Program. The groups met to share background information about each organization, discuss EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson’s goals and possible initiatives and discuss how the EPA can work to support healthy fisheries and clean water and the benefits they offer to the nation.
NOAA Habitat Restoration Programs Receive Additional Money
The Commerce, Justice and State appropriations measure, rolled into an omnibus appropriations bill, contained a long sought and much needed increase for habitat restoration programs around the nation’s coastal areas. The increase from $13.5 million to $18.6 million for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s community-based Restoration Program represents a several year effort to provide more money for nonprofit organizations such as ASA’s FishAmerica Foundation. The bill also provided $7 million for removing antiquated dams that impede fish passage through NOAA’s Open Rivers Initiative.
Forest Service Rise to the Future Award Ceremony and Reception
On December 16, ASA staff attended the U.S. Forest Service’s 20th Rise to the Future Awards ceremony. Over a dozen Forest Service staff members, most of who are engaged in fisheries conservation efforts, were recognized for their exemplary contributions to the Forest Service and its mission.
