April 2010 American Sportfishing Association Member Update
Member Updates are e-mailed monthly to members of the American Sportfishing Association and our partners on issues of interest to the future of fishing. For more information, contact ASA Communications, 703.519.9691.
BELOW IS A LIST OF TOPICS IN THIS UPDATE. Please scroll down for the complete document. Previous ASA Member Updates are available in the ASA Newsroom.
Each month ASA e-mails an update about our Government Affairs activities called Policy Watch. These documents can be found in the Government Affairs section of ASA’s Web site.
NOAA Says 93 Percent of the Gulf Open to Recreational Fishing
Recreational Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico
ASA Board of Directors Elections
NOAA Fisheries Holds Saltwater Recreational Fishing Summit
Presidential Memo Establishes the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative
Thank you for Renewing Your Commitment to Sportfishing’s Future
ICAST 2010 – Reserve Your Booth Space Today
Thank You ICAST Sponsors
ICAST Sponsorships Available
ICAST Registration and Housing Reservations
Beware of Unauthorized ICAST Housing Sales
Exhibitor Promo Pak and Service Manual Available Online
Visit the Online ICAST Buyers’ Guide
Post Your ICAST Press Release on ICASTfishing.org
Tell Us About ICAST!
2010 Sportfishing Summit – Mark Your Calendar
EFFTEX 2010
Discounts for ASA Members at East Coast Consumer Shows
Welcome New Members!
Take an Active Role in New Member Recruitment
Discount Shipping for ASA Members
Become a Facebook Fan!
Jim Range National Casting Call
Support the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act
National Fish Habitat Award Winners Announced
FishAmerica Foundation Update
Message from ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman
NOAA Says 93 Percent of the Gulf Open to Recreational Fishing
ASA is calling upon federal and state officials to act swiftly and diligently to mitigate the effects of the oil spill, which continues to release thousands of barrels of oil a day. The spill poses a severe threat to the Gulf of Mexico’s marine fishery resources and sportfishing industry, jeopardizing the livelihoods of thousands of Americans who live throughout the Gulf region. While much of the current media attention is focused on the affected areas, it is important to note that as of May 12, according to NOAA, 93 percent of the Gulf is still unaffected and open to recreational fishing. Please go to www.KeepAmericaFishing.org/gulfoilspill.html for updates about fishing closures and a list of federal and state agencies responding to the oil spill.
Recreational Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico
In addition to the tragic loss of life, the oil spill and resulting fishing closure pose a severe threat to the Gulf of Mexico’s marine fishery resources and sportfishing industry, although ultimate impacts on recreational fisheries and wildlife are impossible to predict at this time. Recreational fishing contributes $41 billion dollars in economic output in the Gulf Coast region annually and supports over 300,000 jobs. The Gulf of Mexico is one of the most popular areas for recreational fishing in the United States with nearly six million saltwater anglers taking over 45 million fishing trips each year. The oil spill has the potential to impact the nearly 2,300 tackle shops in Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida’s West Coast.
ASA Board of Directors Elections
Ballots for ASA’s Board of Directors elections were mailed on Friday, April 30, 2010, to members who are in good standing with their 2010 membership dues. Ballots are due on or before June 1, 2010. Members will elect six representatives to ASA's Board of Directors, with terms beginning in October 2010. Elections are open for three regional and three at-large seats. Regional seats cover the Great Lakes, Northeast and Northern Plains regions. According to ASA’s bylaws, only members with regular membership status may vote. Associate members are not eligible to do so. For more information about the ballots, contact Board Liaison Joyce Anderson-Logan , x233. For questions about membership status, contact Membership Director Jill Calabria , x241.
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.
Presidential Memo Establishes the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative
On April 16, President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum establishing the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative to promote and support innovative community-level efforts to conserve outdoor spaces and to reconnect Americans to the outdoors. The President signed the memo during the White House Conference on America’s Great Outdoors in which the president was joined by Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson and NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco.
Thank You for Renewing Your Commitment to Sportfishing’s Future
ASA mailed its annual membership dues renewal invoices in mid-November 2009. ASA thanks those who have renewed their membership for 2010. If you have not received your company renewal or you have questions about dues or member status, contact Membership Director Jill Calabria, x234.
ICAST 2010 – Reserve Your Booth Space Today
“Get in on the action” at ICAST 2010 by reserving your exhibit space today to ensure that your business is front and center at the world’s premier sportfishing trade show. Nearly 95 percent of the available exhibit space is sold, so time is of the essence. The ICAST 2010 exhibit space contract, floor plan and the Top Five Reasons to Exhibit are available on ICASTfishing.org. For more information, contact Kenneth Andres, x231.
Thank You ICAST 2010 Sponsors
ASA would like to thank its generous members who have already signed on as ICAST sponsors. Our ICAST 2010 sponsors are: Gold - Crocodile Bay, Fishing Tackle Retailer, produced by ESPN Outdoor/BASS, Plano Molding Company, Take Me Fishing and ZEBCO Brands; Silver –In-Fisherman, Fishouflage Apparel, Gemini Sport Marketing, Northwest Sportsmanand Sebile USA; and Bronze - Classic Fishing Products, Inc., Engel USA, FishGillz Sunglass Co., Gill North America, Girls Fish Too, Hatcams LLC, Jonathan Paul Eyewear, Maui Jim Sunglasses, Southwick Associates and Tuscaroran Pro-Lures. This list is current as of May 7. Thank you for your support!
ICAST Sponsorships Available
An ICAST sponsorship is an effective way to highlight your company’s name in front of more than 7,000 professional members of the global sportfishing community. By becoming an ICAST sponsor, your company will benefit from stand-alone recognition for your company and/or products and also help increase sales by leveraging your presence at ICAST. For more information on sponsorships, please review the Sponsorship Brochure on ICASTfishing.org or contact ICAST Associate Kenneth Andres, x231.
ICAST Registration and Housing Reservations
ICAST is a short two months away. Now is the time to register for the show and make your housing reservations. Take advantage of discounted show pre-registration rates before the June 10, deadline. When registering for badges, you may also make your hotel reservations at the official ICAST hotels including the Las Vegas Hilton, our ICAST headquarters hotel. At just $89 a night, the Las Vegas Hilton offers complete business services and is the closest hotel to the convention center. Other official ICAST hotels include Courtyard by Marriott Convention Center, Embassy Suites Convention Center, Las Vegas Marriott Suites, Marriott Renaissance Las Vegas, Residence Inn Convention Center and Springhill Suites Las Vegas Convention Center. For more information visit the ICAST website or contact Experient, Inc. (301) 694-5243 or e-mail ASA-ICAST@experient-inc.com.
Beware of Unauthorized ICAST Housing Sales
It's been brought to our attention that ICAST exhibitors and ICAST attendees are being contacted by businesses that are misrepresenting themselves as agents for ICAST 2010 offering discounted rates at various Las Vegas hotels. Experient, Inc. is the only company authorized by the American Sportfishing Association and the ICAST team to make hotel reservations for ICAST 2010. For more information visit the ICAST Web site or contact Experient, Inc. (301) 694-5243 or e-mail ASA-ICAST@experient-inc.com.
Exhibitor Promo Pak and Service Manual Available Online
The Exhibitor Promo Pak and Exhibitor Service Manual are the ultimate guides to exhibiting at ICAST. The Exhibitor Promo Pak which contains many items to help exhibitors promote their presence at ICAST and attract buyers to their booths. The Exhibitor Service Manual contains all the details needed to ensure that exhibitors have a successful experience at the show. Shipping and set up information are included, as well as forms for ordering furnishings, carpet, electrical services and other necessities. To access the Promo Pak and the Service Manual, go to the 2010 Exhibitors Only section of www.ICASTfishing.org. If you haven’t received your exhibitor login information, contact Kenneth Andres, x231, or Melissa Woolley, x241.
Visit the Online ICAST Buyers’ Guide
The online ICAST Buyers’ Guide is an easy-to-use version of the printedICAST Buyers’ Guidewhich is distributed during the world’slargest sportfishing trade show. Visit the online ICAST Buyers’ Guide for this “who’s who” in the sportfishing industry and see what ASA members offer in products and services.
Post Your ICAST Press Release on ICASTfishing.org
As an added benefit of exhibiting at ICAST, ASA will post links to ICAST exhibitor press releases in the online Press Room to assist exhibitors in promoting their presence at the show. This online Web page is a resource for both media and show attendees. Please add this opportunity to your ICAST marketing plan. Please send either a link to your press release or e-mail a Word or PDF version for posting on www.ICASTfishing.org, to Kenneth Andres, x231, and ASA Communications Associate, Ryan Colaianni, x222. Content is subject to ASA verification and approval.
Tell Us About ICAST!
Judging by the response so far, enthusiasm for ICAST is as high as it's ever been. Share your thoughts about why you attend ICAST on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ICASTfishing and also keep up with the latest information about ICAST, the world's largest sportfishing trade show.
2010 Sportfishing Summit – Mark Your Calendar
ASA invites its members and partners to the 2010 Sportfishing Summit scheduled for October 26–28, at the Westin Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Mark your calendar today for the Sportfishing Summit, ASA’s annual membership meeting and premier networking event. If you are interested in being a sponsor for this year’s Summit, please contact Jill Calabria, 234.
EFFTEX 2010
The European Fishing Tackle Trade Association (EFTTA) is hosting its 2010 trade show, the European Fishing Tackle Trade Exhibition (EFTTEX), June 11–13, in Valencia, Spain. For more information about EFTTEX 2010 or EFTTA, visit www.eftta.com.
Discounts for ASA Members at East Coast Consumer Shows
Current ASA members in good standings who participate in all four of ASA/ Eastern Fishing & Outdoor exposition shows will receive a 15 percent discount on standard priced booth space. Any exhibitor that participates in three or more shows will receive a 10 percent discount off standard booth rates, however, no discount applies to space booked for the World Fishing & Outdoor Exposition in Suffern, N.Y. The 2011 ASA/Eastern Fishing & Outdoor Exposition schedule is:
February 10-13, 2011 - Eastern Fishing & Outdoor Exposition: Worcester, MA
February 17-20, 2011 - The Greater Philadelphia Outdoor Sportshow: Oaks, PA
March 3-6, 2011 - World Fishing & Outdoor Exposition: Suffern, NY
March 18-20, 2011 - The Saltwater Fishing Expo: Somerset, NJ
To sign up for exhibit space, contact the ASA/Eastern Fishing & Outdoor Expo staff at 603-431-4315 or e-mail info@sportshows.com for more information.
Welcome New Members!
ASA welcomes these new members or members who reinstated their membership in April: Angler Innovations LLC, Boring, OR; B.K. Products, Mesa, AZ; B.S. Fish Tales, Inc., Longview, WA; Bassat Outdoor Group, Maple Lake, MN; Blackwater River, LLC, Lisle, IL; Buck Knives, Inc., Post Falls, ID; Cisco Fishing Systems, Ltd., Cleveland, OH; Duckett Fishing, Demopolis, AL; Earth Sports, Westborough, MA; Emergency/Triage Lights, San Antonio, TX; Fishworks, Inc., San Clemente, CA; Glo-Pro Lures, Wauwatosa, WI; H2opro Lures and Tackle Limited, Zhuhai City, People’s Republic of China; Laguna Custom Rods, Hempstead, TX; Lakewood Products, Suamico, WI; Lunker Lather, Stockton, CA; Magnetic Marine Products, LLC, Ada, MI; Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Westborough, MA; Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Lansing, MI; Persuader American Angling, Danville, CA; Pink Fishing, San Diego, CA; Pocket Hercules, Minneapolis, MN; Pro. Fishing Supplies, Shenyang City,Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China; Reel Fun Enterprises, LLC, Baton Rouge, LA; Reservefishing.com, Frisco, TX; Revolution Anchors, West Palm Beach, FL; Rockpoint Apparel Company, Houston, TX; Sierra Stream & Mountain, Chico, CA; Silverfish Press, La Jolla, CA; Stern Stick P.P.L., Hunt, TX; T-H Marine, Huntsville, AL; The Kids Fishing Shop, Cliffwood, NJ; Tipsee Light Company LLC, Rochester, NY; Topwater Clothing, Scottsdale, AZ; Turner's Outdoorsman, Ontario, CA; VersaLures, LLC, Granite Falls, WA; Vike Fishing Tackle Co., Ltd.,Taizhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China; WagVaughn Sports and Adventures Inc., Galveston, TX and Wuxi Greenwave Fishing Tackle Co., Ltd., Wuxi, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China.
Take an Active Role in New Member Recruitment
Please take an active role in member recruitment. If you would like to help ASA recruit new members, please:
- Include www.asafishing.org/tellmemore in your e-mail signature line, your e-mails to business colleagues or include the link on your Web site.
- Run ASA’s member recruitment advertising in your publication(s), on your Web site or in your electronic communications.
Contact Membership Director Jill Calabria, x234, for more information or to obtain copies of the member brochure or ad.
Discount Shipping for ASA Members
ASA members are eligible to take part in the free ASA discount shipping program through PartnerShip to save on shipping through FedEx and UPS Freight. Enroll online at www.PartnerShip.com/25ASA . Please call PartnerShip at 800-599-2902, or email sales@PartnerShip.com to learn more about the ASA Discount Shipping Program.
Become a Facebook Fan!
ASA, ICAST, KeepAmericaFishing™ and the FishAmerica Foundation combined have thousands of Facebook fans; but with 60 million anglers in the United States, we have a long way to go. Become a fan today and let your friends and family know that they, too, can be a sportfishing fan and do their part to stay informed and help keep our nation's fish and their habitats healthy and accessible now and for the future. Signing up for Facebook access is easy to do. Simply go to www.facebook.com and register an e-mail and password. Once you’re there, type in the American Sportfishing Association, ICAST, KeepAmericaFishing or FishAmerica in the Search box to visit each individual Facebook page. You don’t need to have a personal page to become a fan.
Jim Range National Casting Call
ASA was an active participant in this year’s Jim Range National Casting Call, held April 22, at Fletcher's Cove in the C&O Canal National Historical Park in Washington, D.C. The event, produced by the American Fly Fishing Trade Association, brings Members of Congress, their staff and other policy makers together with the recreational fishing, boating and conservation community to fish for shad in the Potomac River and learn about the importance of collaborative fisheries conservation. Nearly 10 years ago, the event was spearheaded by conservation visionary, the late Jim Range.In 2009, the event was renamed to honor his memory. ASA along with other representatives from various fishery organizations volunteered during the April 22 Casting Call and the April 24 Family and Youth Casting Call. For more information, visit www.nationalcastingcall.com.
Support the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act
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 bill and to seek additional sponsorship. 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. In the Senate the bill is awaiting floor action. The NFHCA provides funding for crucial fisheries conservation and habitat restoration across the United States. The foundation for the NFHCA is the National Fish Habitat Action Plan.
National Fish Habitat Award Winners Announced
The Third Annual National Fish Habitat Awards were announced on April 22 during the Jim Range National Casting Call. The awards honored organizations and individuals who are leaders in aquatic resources conservation. The 2010 award winners are:
Jim Range Conservation Vision Award: Scott Robinson, Coordinator, Southeast Aquatic Recourse Partnership; Extraordinary Action in Support of Fish Habitat Conservation: Lower Bourbeuse Landowner Committee/Missouri Department of Conservation; Scientific Achievement: David Moe Nelson, Marine Biologist, Biogeography Branch (NOAA)
Outreach and Educational Achievement Award: Wasilla Soil and Water Conservation District
FishAmerica Foundation Update
To help FishAmerica keep our nation’s fish and waters healthy, visit FishAmerica online at www.fishamerica.org or contact Executive Director Johanna Laderman, x245 or Grants Manager Erica George, x247.
FishAmerica Among Project Partners Dedicating Bride Brook Restoration Site
On April 19, FishAmerica Foundation Executive Director Johanna Laderman, joined Congressman Joe Courtney, (D-CT) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the NOAA Restoration Center, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Restore America’s Estuaries, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and Connecticut Fund for the Environment at the dedication of the Bride Brook restoration project at Rocky Neck State Park. The project enhanced more than five river miles and 72 acres of lake for fish migration and spawning habitat; enhancing the sportfishing experience for Connecticut’s 300,000 anglers. FishAmerica, through its partnership with the USFWS awarded a $27,200 grant to the Connecticut Fund for the Environment to complete the project.
FishAmerica Project Receives 2009 Coastal America Partnership Award
In April, the Hail Cove Living Shoreline project was awarded the Coastal America Partnership Award. Presented by Dan Ashe, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Deputy Director for Policy, the award recognizes outstanding collaborative, multi-agency and multi-stakeholder efforts that leverage and combine resources to accomplish coastal restoration, preservation and protection projects. The project constructed low-profile headland breakwaters to stabilize the shoreline of the Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge and fisheries habitat from the damaging effects of wind and wave erosion and help protect the natural shoreline.
June 7 Deadline for FishAmerica Requests Proposals
June 7, is the deadline to submit proposals for community-based habitat restoration projects across coastal America, the Great Lakes region, and U.S. Territories of the Caribbean under the FishAmerica and NOAA Restoration Center partnership. Non-profit organizations including local sporting clubs and conservation associations are encouraged to apply for the up to $1 million available in funding.Interested organizations can find the application packet at www.fishamerica.org. SPECIAL NOTE – JUNE 21 DEADLINE FOR APPLICANTS AFFECTED BY OIL SPILL: FishAmerica and NOAA recognize the need to maintain flexibility in the way projects impacted by the recent Gulf Oil Spill are carried out. Funding cannot be provided through this solicitation for direct oil spill mitigation or clean-up, however other modifications to the project (e.g. delayed implementation) may be considered.
Searching or Shopping Online? Support FishAmerica While You Do
Each time you search the internet or shop online using GoodSearch and GoodShop a donation will be made to FishAmerica at no cost to you! The toolbar has a search box and each time you search the Internet, about a penny is donated to FishAmerica Foundation. Get the toolbar now at http://www.goodsearch.com/toolbar/fishamerica-foundation.
ASA Member Contributions
FishAmerica would like to thank the following ASA members for their FY 2010 donations totaling $21,000 to the foundation: BASS Federation Nation; Calderone & Associates; Carrera-Werner Sales Company; Citti Sales; Corporate Products, LLC (CORPRO); Costa Del Mar; Daiwa Corporation; Ed Cummings, Inc.; Ferguson-Keller Associates, Inc.; Frank & Fran's Fisherman's Friend, Inc.; Koppers Fishing and Tackle Corporation; Lamiglas, Inc.; Port "A" Outfitters; Pro Line Manufacturing; Proactive Sales & Marketing NE, LLC; Real Sports; Red Drum Tackle Shop, Inc.; Wright & McGill Co.; Yakima Bait Company; and ZipVac by CTI Industries.
Follow FishAmerica on Twitter and Become a Fan of FishAmerica on Facebook
Get the latest updates on FishAmerica and find out about available funds to help keep our fish and waters healthy. FishAmerica on Twitter (twitter.com/fishamerica) and FishAmerica on Facebook (www.facebook.com/fishamerica).
Message from ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman
Like you, I’ve been closely following the response to the April oil spill which continues to pump more than 210,000 gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico each day. Tens of thousands of people are working to contain the spill which is seriously threatening the Gulf’s ecosystem and the thousands of businesses that depend upon its health. Although local, state and federal officials assure us that they are doing everything in their power to contain and manage the damage to marine and coastal habitat, people are, understandably, frustrated and frightened about their future.
Recreational fishing contributes $41 billion dollars in economic output in the Gulf Coast region annually and supports over 300,000 jobs. A disaster of this magnitude will certainly significantly impact the ability of anglers to get out on the water and for businesses to thrive, including the nearly 2,300 tackle shops in Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and the West Coast of Florida. While the impact on recreational fisheries and wildlife is impossible to gauge at this time, everything must be done to clean up this massive spill and measures must be put in place to ensure that something like this does not happen again.
However, what disturbs me, and a number of industry members, is the unrelenting picture of doom and gloom being portrayed by the media. According to the oil spill response Joint Information Center and NOAA, the federal waters closed to recreational and commercial fishing is slightly more than seven percent of the Gulf of Mexico. This means that 93 percent of the Gulf is open and available for fishing! In fact, the vast majority of Gulf waters has not been affected by the oil spill and continues to support productive recreational fishing and tourism activities. State and local tourism and natural resource agencies’ websites clearly states that fishable waters are open and ready for business. What we don’t want – and can’t afford as a nation and as an industry - is economic collapse in the Gulf region as self-fulfilling prophesy.
On May 12, President Obama sent a legislative package to Congress asking for additional funds for oil spill response and to help speed assistance to people and businesses affected by the spill. While the administration is asking for additional funds in some cases, it’s clear that the administration is not going to back away from seeking full compensation from the responsible parties for the expenses the federal government has incurred and for the damage caused by the spill.
The American Sportfishing Association is closely monitoring the situation and what will be done to compensate businesses through federal appropriations and through BP’s disaster response fund. We will ensure that recreational fishing and our industry are accounted for as this process evolves. Information about the oil spill can be found on a number of websites – the White House, the Deep Horizon Unified Command, NOAA, the Department of the Interior – to name a few. We are updating industry-specific information on our Keep America Fishing™ website, so please check there for updates.
Although other issues, such as the potential closure of all bottom fishing in the South Atlantic, may have moved to NOAA’s back burner in order to focus on the oil spill, I assure you we are still very much focused on this issue. About 170 people attended NOAA’s Marine Recreational Fishing summit held last month in the Washington, D.C. area. Dr. Jane Lubchenco, NOAA’s administrator and Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, assured us that “NOAA is committed to working with the recreational fishing community.” Her appointment of Eric Schwaab, a veteran of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, as Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries, and Russell Dunn as the new National Policy Advisor for Recreational Fisheries, sends a good message to the industry. I want to thank Dr. Lubchenco for her efforts and for her commitment to be recreational fishing’s champion, particularly as the oil spill response unfolds. In fact, Dr. Lubchenco informed me that NOAA is committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with the recreational fishing community during the oil spill crisis.She is also urging the White House to include businesses dependent on recreational fishing in the economic assessment and assistance process.
The Deep Horizon oil spill will test NOAA and every other natural resource agency as never before. But, this association will do everything we can to address the economic impact of the oil spill on our industry and ensure that “business is as usual” when it comes to investing in our nation’s recreational fishing industry.
