These items cover Government Affairs activities for March, April and May 2010. For more information on ASA’s Government Affairs activities, contact Gordon Robertson, vice president and Government Affairs lead, or Mike Leonard, Policy fellow, x230. Please visit ASA’s website for more information.
Urge the White House to Safeguard Recreational Fishing
The Deepwater Horizon oil rig disaster has slowed the Obama Administration’s expected issuance of a final report, and possibly other policy guidance, outlining the administration’s plans to manage the nation’s oceans, coastal areas and the Great Lakes. The plan started with a presidential memo released in June 2009 that ordered the development of a national ocean policy through the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force. The task force, led by the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, was charged with developing a national policy for conserving and managing the United States ocean territory and the Great Lakes. The White House is in the final stages of developing the final report. Three states—Missouri, South Carolina and Michigan—have introduced state resolutions urging President Obama to ensure that recreational fishing and boating are national priorities in the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force’s final report. Go to www.keepamericafishing.org to send a letter to President Obama and other key policy makers urging the task force to recognize and promote recreational fishing and boating in the national policy.
California Marine Life Protection Act Planning Update
On May 3, the Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO) sent a letter to the California Joint Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture supporting public testimony provided during an April 2010 hearing, which provided data on the health of California fisheries and concern over the lack of ability the state has to scientifically monitor and enforce any new marine protected areas (MPAs). In addition, California’s anglers are encouraged to send a letter to the Senate Rules Committee expressing their concerns over the confirmation of Don Benninghoven as a new Fish and Game Commission (FGC) member. Benninghoven was appointed last August and must be confirmed by the Senate during June to continue his term. Regarding the MLPA process, the FGC is awaiting the publication of proposed regulations for MPAs in the South Coast Phase of the MLPA process. The FGC is scheduled to receive public comment at its August and October meetings.
Support the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act
While most eyes are focused on the Gulf, ASA continues to work with other members of the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act (NFHCA) legislative team to advocate with Members of Congress for their support of the legislation and to seek additional sponsorship. The NFHCA provides funding for crucial fisheries conservation and habitat restoration across the United States. To ensure this bill is passed, please send a letter to your members of Congress today urging them to support the NFHCA. Additional co-sponsors are needed for this bill to succeed. The foundation for the NFHCA is the National Fish Habitat Action Plan.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreation Area Update
ASA has submitted comments on the National Park Service’s (NPS) Draft Cape Hatteras National Seashore Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) stressing the industry’s serious concerns with the NPS preferred alternative which is the most restrictive management option to date. The statement evaluates the impacts of several alternatives for regulations and procedures that would manage the park’s wildlife and regulate access to the park. Because of the highly unbalanced nature of the preferred alternative and that important socio-economic information is missing or incomplete, ASA urged the NPS to make significant changes to the preferred alternative in order to provide for both reasonable resource protection and reasonable public access to public lands. The comment period on the DEIS ended on May 11. The park will next review comments, make revisions to the DEIS and release a final Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement by the end of 2010. For more information, visit www.keepamericafishing.org.
ASA Meets with Senator Kerry to Discuss Natural Resources Adaptation Funding
In June, ASA staff met with Senator John Kerry (D-MA) and Senate Foreign Relations Committee staff to discuss dedicated funding for natural resources adaptation in draft energy and climate legislation. Similar to H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, which passed in the House in June 2009, Senator Kerry’s bill would provide for dedicated federal and state natural resource agency funding to plan and implement on-the-ground projects to help fish and wildlife adapt and respond to the impacts of climate change and to foster resilient habitats. The need for such funding is outlined in Beyond Seasons’ End, a recently released report about game species’ adaptation to climate change and its effects on hunting and fishing.
Oregon Marine Reserves Update
ASA and its Oregon representative continue to work with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife officials, state legislators and angler groups to refine Oregon’s process for establishing marine reserves. Community groups for the study areas are conducting meetings within their areas. Industry interests are represented at these meetings. ASA recently traveled to Oregon and met with the recreational fishing representatives of three statewide angling groups to discuss how the recreational fishing community can better coordinate their efforts to have an impact on the Oregon process. In addition, ASA staff also met with the two deputy directors of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to discuss the reserve study process. ASA also met with a statewide environmental group who is involved in the process and attended a community group meeting for the Cape Falcon study area.
ASA Attends Center for Coastal Conservation Annual Conference
On May 5, the Center for Coastal Conservation (CCC) held its annual conference in Washington, D.C. At the conference, ASA and other leaders in the marine recreational fishing and boating community met with several members of Congress, as well as staff from National Marine Fisheries Service and the President’s Council on Environmental Quality, to discuss a variety of issues important to the community, including national ocean policy, catch shares and problems with implementation of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The CCC is a coalition of the leading advocates for marine recreational fishing and boating, dedicated to promoting sound conservation and use of ocean resources by supporting federal legislators who support its goals. ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman serves on the CCC Board of Directors.
ASA Attends 2010 American Boating Congress
On May 6, ASA staff attended the American Boating Congress (ABA) in Washington, D.C. The ABC is the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s annual legislative conference that brings together recreational boating industry leaders to formulate public policy and present a unified front on issues that impact marine businesses.
NOAA Fisheries Holds Saltwater Recreational Fishing Summit
On April 16-17, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) held the Saltwater Recreational Fishing Summit in Alexandria, Va., as a first step towards improving the relationship between the saltwater recreational fishing community and NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service. Approximately 170 individuals participated in the Summit, including Government Affairs Committee members and ASA staff. Attendees participated in breakout discussions to identify key issues facing recreational fishing and develop next steps to address the key issues. ASA President Mike Nussman, ASA Government Affairs Committee Chairman Bill Shedd (AFTCO), and ASA Government Affairs Committee member Jim Martin (Pure Fishing) each provided remarks during a panel discussion on next steps and accountability. Some of the key recommendations identified at the Summit include: establishing a well-staffed Office of Recreational Fishing within NOAA to provide for a more formal mechanism for coordination; improving data collection, including angler catch, economic and fish stock assessments; requiring a re-evaluation of allocations prior to implementing a commercial catch share system; and giving public access to public resources priority consideration in implementation of ocean policy.
ASA Comments on South Atlantic Red Snapper Environmental Statement
ASA recently submitted comments to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Snapper Grouper Amendment 17A, which proposes to prohibit the harvest of all snapper/grouper species in areas of the South Atlantic in addition to a total prohibition of red snapper harvest. In the letter, ASA stated its opposition to the proposed widespread groundfish closure, and expressed its serious concerns with the management of red snapper in the South Atlantic, including the lack of economic data on the impact of the on the recreational fishing industry.
ASA Government Affairs Committee Meeting
ASA’s annual spring Government Affairs Committee meeting was held April 14-15, in Alexandria, Va., just prior to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Saltwater Recreational Fishing Summit. Committee members heard updates and status reports on a wide-range of topics including federal and state marine protected areas; the 2006 Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act reauthorization challenges; revisions to ASA’s lead fishing tackle position paper; the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund reauthorization; invasive species; and the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act. The next Government Affairs Committee meeting will take place during ASA’s annual Sportfishing Summit, which will be held at the Westin Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., October 26-28, 2010.
Beyond Season’s End Profiled at Congressional Briefing
On April 20, ASA participated in a panel discussion as part of a Congressional briefing to review how global climate change might impact fish and wildlife and discuss the need for dedicated funding to enable adaptive management strategies for fish and wildlife. Also profiled at the event was Beyond Seasons’ End, a new report about game species’ adaptation to climate change and its effects on hunting and fishing. ASA provided information in the report on the forecasted impacts global warming will have on saltwater habitats and species. The report is funded by the Bipartisan Policy Center. More information can be found at www.beyondseasonsend.org.
Washington State Recreational Fishing Issues Update
In April, ASA staff visited with the Director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and staff to discuss that state’s implementation of marine spatial planning legislation and a proposal to limit use of lead fishing sinkers and jigs in 13 high mountain lakes. The recently passed legislation on marine spatial planning contains language that supports recreational fishing in Washington marine waters and discussions are just beginning on how the state will implement the measure. Further discussions on lead fishing sinkers with the industry and others will occur over the summer and a potential decision by the state’s Fish and Wildlife Commission will be made in late summer or early fall of this year.
Oregon Marine Reserves Update
ASA and its Oregon representative continue to work with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife officials, state legislators and angler groups to refine Oregon’s process for establishing marine reserves. Community groups for the study areas are conducting meetings within their study areas. Industry interests are represented at these meetings. ASA recently traveled to Oregon and met with the recreational fishing representatives of one of the groups to discuss their progress. ASA staff also met with the coordinator of the process.
ASA Supports Reauthorization of the National Estuary Program
ASA recently sent a letter to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure in support of HR 4715, the Clean Estuaries Act of 2010. The bill will reauthorize the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Estuary Program, which was created in 1987 to provide grants to improve the quality of estuaries of national importance. On April 18, the House passed the bill by a 278 to 128 margin, and the bill will move to on the Senate for its vote.
Senate Passes Tax Extenders in Jobs Bill
The U.S. Senate recently passed the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act. The bill would extend many expired tax provisions for one year, retroactively to January 1, 2010, including the R&D tax credit, deferral for active financing and the look-through rules for controlled foreign corporations, and provide additional time for companies to make required pension payments. In addition, it broadens the tax credit for energy efficient installations and allows companies to use their unused Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) credits based on hiring workers or making investments. The bill also would extend unemployment benefits and COBRA health insurance subsidies. The House, which passed its own version of the bill last December, and Senate must now begin the process of reconciling the two versions of the legislation.
2010 Jim Range National Casting Call
This year’s Jim Range National Casting Call was held April 22 at Fletcher’s Cove in Washington, D.C. Sponsored by the American Fly Fishing Trade Association, the event is held annually to provide government decision makers with the opportunity to fish for shad in the Potomac River and learn about the importance of collaborative fisheries conservation. At the event, a status report on the National Fish Habitat Action Plan (NFHAP) was given, the 2010 NFHAP awards were presented, and America’s Ten Waters to Watch were highlighted.
NOAA Appoints New National Policy Advisor for Recreational Fisheries
Russell Dunn, a former branch chief of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Highly Migratory Species Management Division, has been appointed as NOAA’s National Policy Advisor for Recreational Fisheries. As National Advisor, Dunn will serve as the coordinating liaison between the recreational fishing community and NOAA’s federal marine fisheries management system. Dunn will report directly to NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator Eric Schwaab.
Keep America Fishing Takes Another Step Forward
In March, with the approval of the board of directors, ASA contracted with advocacy and development agency First Degree of Gainesville, Va., to develop a multi-faceted plan to expand the branding, advocacy and fundraising campaign for Keep America Fishing, ASA’s angler advocacy effort. After considering numerous applications and interviewing two potential firms, ASA’s Advocacy Working Group recommended First Degree to the Board of Directors, who heard and approved First Degree’s presentation at the March Board meeting in Long Beach. Meetings between ASA staff and First Degree began in April.
ASA Calls on Congress to Restore Funding for National Wildlife Refuges
ASA joined 21 other groups to send a report to Congress asking that funding for the U.S. National Wildlife Refuge System be restored. The Cooperative Alliance for Refuge Enhancement (CARE) report warns that unless Congress acts to restore funding for the Refuge System, the economic benefits that refuges provide could be in jeopardy at the very time they are needed most. The report also says that the lands, waters, fish, wildlife and recreation opportunities found in the 150-million-acre Refuge System are at risk without additional funding. A news release, fact sheet, photos and links to the full report can be found at www.prweb.com/releases/CARE_Report2010/Wildlife_Refuge_Funding/prweb3693394.htm
ASA Comments on “Let’s Move” Campaign
ASA submitted public comments about First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign and urged the newly created Task Force on Childhood Obesity to consider outdoor recreation, especially recreational fishing, as a key tool in addressing the obesity epidemic. On February 9, 2010, President Obama signed a Presidential Memo establishing the task force and directing federal agencies to create a comprehensive interagency national action plan to solve the challenge of childhood obesity within a generation. In its comments, ASA suggested that the task force promote outdoor recreation, including recreational fishing, as a component in the campaign’s objective of increasing physical activity in schools and communities, and collaborate with organizations such as the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation and the Future Fisherman Foundation to develop partnerships to promote the mutual interest of getting youth active in the outdoors.
Alaska Board of Fisheries Allows Electric Reels for Sport Fishing
The Alaska Board of Fisheries recently accepted a rule that defines power assisted fishing reels and will allow electric reels to be used in Alaska’s sportfisheries. The rule will also prohibit the use of commercial jigging machines for deep water species. ASA staff and members provided information necessary for the board to make a decision distinguishing sportfishing reels from commercial power assisted reels.
ASA Staff Attends Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Reception
On March 2, ASA staff attended the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation’s annual reception honoring the commitment of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus to hunting and fishing access. More than 20 Members of Congress attended the annual reception along with fishing, hunting and conservation leaders, policy makers, and industry representatives to recognize the Caucus’ support of sportsmen and women and to focus on current legislative issues affecting hunters and anglers.
FishNet Federal Agency Budget Briefing Meeting
In March, ASA hosted a meeting where federal agencies provided briefings on their FY 2011 fisheries program budgets to FishNet members. Presentations were given by representatives from the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, NOAA Fisheries, Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Geological Survey. The information provided helps FishNet members to develop appropriate recommendations for the 111th Congress. FishNet is a coalition comprised of Washington D.C.-area fishery conservation groups.
ASA Attends North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference
ASA and FishAmerica Foundation staff attended the 75th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference held March 22-27, in Milwaukee, Wis. The conference is one of the largest gatherings of fishery and wildlife officials and other fish and wildlife interest groups held each year. ASA attended and participated in a variety of committee meetings including marine fisheries; legislative and federal budget appropriations; public access; energy and wildlife policy; fish and wildlife health; angler and boating participation; fisheries and water resources policy; and fish and wildlife trust funds.