October 2010 American Sportfishing Association Policy Watch
Policy Watch is a monthly update for the sportfishing community about the American Sportfishing Association’s (ASA) Government Affairs activities.
For more information on ASA Government Affairs activities, contact Gordon Robertson, Vice President and Government Affairs lead, 703.519.9691, x237, Mike Leonard, Director of Ocean Resource Policy, x230, or Alyssa Hausman, Policy Fellow, x 244.
The 2010 Sportfishing Summit – October 26 – 28, in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Legislation Introduced in the House to Prevent Federal Ban on Lead Tackle
EPA Announces Increase in Gasoline’s Ethanol Content
Comments on Striped Bass Management Plan Addendum Submitted
Outdoor Recreation Community Meets with USDA Under Secretary
California’s Marine Life Protection Act Planning Update
National Fish Habitat Board Holds October Meeting
ASA Staff Participates in AFWA Annual Meeting
EPA Office of Water Meets With Traditional Outdoor Sports Groups
The 2010 Sportfishing Summit – October 26 – 28, in Fort Lauderdale, FL
The American Sportfishing Association’s 2010 Sportfishing Summit annual membership meeting is being held October 26 – 28, at the Westin Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For more information, please go to www.ASAfishing.org.
Legislation Introduced in the House to Prevent Federal Ban on Lead Tackle
On September 28, Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) introduced S. 3850, legislation which seeks to prevent an overarching federal ban on lead in fishing tackle, a move that could have a significant economic impact on anglers and the recreational fishing industry. Representative Paul Broun (R-GA) introduced the companion bill (H.R. 6284) in the House of Representatives on September 29. In August, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was petitioned to ban the use of lead in fishing tackle and ammunition. The EPA quickly dismissed the ammunition section of the petition, but has not yet released its decision on fishing tackle. Ammunition is exempted from EPA regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The bills introduced by Lincoln and Broun will amend the TSCA so the exemption for ammunition will also apply to fishing tackle. ASA members are encouraged to write their Members of Congress requesting co-sponsorship of this important legislation. Information and a template message are available on KeepAmericaFishing.org.
EPA Announces Increase in Gasoline’s Ethanol Content
On October 13, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved a 50 percent increase in the allowable ethanol content in gasoline for automobiles built after 2006. Gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol, commonly referred to as E15, could damage recreational marine engines and other small gasoline-powered engines because they are designed, calibrated, and certified to run on not more than 10 volume percent ethanol. This increase also raises issues about emissions, performance, durability and warranty coverage. In addition, increased corn production to meet the new standard could result in increases in the runoff of nutrients and other pollutants into watersheds. Any further EPA decision on the use of E15 has been delayed until testing on vehicles built before 2006 is complete.
Comments on Striped Bass Management Plan Addendum Submitted
On October 1, ASA submitted comments opposing Addendum II to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Striped Bass. If accepted, Addendum II will allow for a 20 to 50 percent increase in the commercial harvest of Atlantic striped bass, the nation’s largest marine fishery. ASA’s comments reflected the sportfishing community’s concern on the viability of the fishery with added commercial pressure, especially with the current additional pressure from poaching and the widespread disease Mycobateriosis. Final approval of the addendum will be decided in November 2010.
Outdoor Recreation Community Meets with USDA Under Secretary
On October 13, ASA and other members of the outdoor recreation community met with the U. S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Under Secretary Harris Sherman to discuss the upcoming Forest Service Planning Rule and the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative. Community representatives stressed that the Forest Service needs to completely revamp its perception of recreation, becoming more proactive and more receptive to innovative partnerships with state agencies, businesses and outdoor recreation groups. Sherman voiced his support for recreation on Forest Service lands and his intent to ensure recreation, including recreational fishing, is included in the Planning Rule.
California’s Marine Life Protection Act Planning Update
During its October 20-21 meeting, the California Fish and Game Commission (FGC) heard public testimony on proposed regulations for marine protected areas (MPAs) along California’s South Coast region. During the meeting, the Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO) expressed its concerns that the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) process is being rushed to conclusion in order to meet arbitrary deadlines despite the recreational fishing community’s legitimate questions about the adequacy of science, data and transparency. Additionally, the PSO requested that the FGC delay adoption of the MPA regulations until documents regarding the South Coast implementation process are given to the PSO per court order, including a reasonable review period. The FGC’s vote for adoption of the proposed MPAs for the South Coast is planned for December 2010. ASA and the PSO, which represents recreational fishing and boating interests in California, have been engaged in the controversial MLPA process since 2006.
National Fish Habitat Board Holds October Meeting
ASA Vice President Gordon Robertson attended the National Fish Habitat Board meeting held October 12-14, in Portland, Ore. The board discussed new strategies and updates for the National Fish Habitat Action Plan (NFHAP). The NFHAP aims to better protect, restore and enhance fish habitat through partnerships that foster conservation and outdoor opportunities for the American public. Updates were presented on each of the partnerships and Robertson provided a legislative update on the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act (S. 1214 and H.R. 2565), which formally authorizes and establishes a funding source for the NFHAP.
ASA Staff Participates in AFWA Annual Meeting
ASA staff attended the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) annual meeting held September 27-29, in Grand Rapids, Mich. Meetings of interest included Fisheries and Water Resources Policy, Angler and Boater Participation, Trust Funds and Ocean Resources Policy. ASA staff participated in discussions about lead fishing tackle, marine protected area designations, ocean policy and federal marine fisheries management.
EPA Office of Water Meets With Traditional Outdoor Sports Groups
On October 20, ASA and other members of the outdoor sports community meet with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Water to discuss the EPA’s decision on the petition to ban lead in fishing tackle, Clean Water Act and the impacts of the EPA’s recent E15 decision on anglers using motorboats.
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