Winter 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.
Condolences to the Fondren Family
Passing of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Sam Hamilton
Sportfishing Industry Calls for Major Marine Fisheries Management Changes
March 2010 ASA Board of Directors Meeting
ICAST 2010 – Reserve Your Booth Space Today
ICAST Registration and Housing Reservations Open
Visit the Online ICAST Buyers’ Guide
Exhibitor Only Section on ICASTfishing.org
Post Your ICAST Press Release on ICASTfishing.org
Thank You ICAST Sponsors
ICAST Sponsorships Available
Renew Your Commitment to Sportfishing’s Future
Welcome New Members!
Take an Active Role in New Member Recruitment
New Philadelphia Outdoor Sports Show
Fred Hall Shows Coming in March
Jim Range National Casting Call
Become a Facebook Fan!
FishAmerica Foundation Updates
Message from ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman
Condolences to the Fondren Family
On behalf of the Board of Directors, ASA members and staff, we extend our sincere condolences to the Fondren family on the passing of Walter W. Fondren III. Fondren, the founder of the Coastal Conservation Association, passed away in Houston on January 28, 2010. Fondren was a passionate conservationist, avid hunter and skilled fisherman. He was a driving force in the grassroots movement to save red drum and speckled trout populations along the Texas coast in the late 1970s, and was one of the first to fully grasp the potential of anglers as stewards of marine resources with the creation of the Gulf Coast Conservation Association, now the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA). Contributions in Fondren’s memory may be directed to the Coastal Conservation Association Texas Fund, 6919 Portwest Dr., Suite 100, Houston, Texas, 77024.
Passing of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Sam Hamilton
Sam D. Hamilton, the director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and 30 year veteran of the agency, passed away on February 20 at the age of 54. "The Interior Department family has suffered a great loss with the passing of Sam Hamilton,” said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. “Sam was a friend, a visionary, and a professional whose years of service and passionate dedication to his work have left an indelible mark on the lands and wildlife we cherish. His forward-thinking approach to conservation - including his view that we must think beyond boundaries at the landscape-scale- will continue to shape our nation's stewardship for years to come.” Hamilton is survived by his wife Becky, his sons Sam Jr. and Clay and a grandson, all of Atlanta, Ga. ASA extends its sincere condolences to the Hamilton family.
Sportfishing Industry Calls for Major Marine Fisheries Management Changes
On Tuesday, February 23, a letter signed by the American Sportfishing Association, The Billfish Foundation, the Center for Coastal Conservation, the Coastal Conservation Association, the International Game Fish Association and the National Marine Manufacturers Association was sent to Dr. Jane Lubchenco, NOAA’s Administrator, requesting that immediate administrative action be taken to address the short- and long-term issues regarding resources for data collection and revamping our nation’s marine fisheries management system.
March 2010 ASA Board of Directors Meeting
The next ASA board of directors meeting will be held March 5, 2010, in Long Beach, Calif., in conjunction with the Fred Hall Show. The Show Committee and Nominating Committee will also be meeting in conjunction with the ASA board of directors meeting. For more information, contact Joyce Anderson Logan , x233.
ICAST 2010 – Reserve Your Booth Space Today
From July 14 – 16, 2010, the world’s largest sportfishing trade show, the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST), will return to Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Convention Center. “Get in on the action” by reserving your exhibit space today and ensure that your business is front and center at the world’s premier sportfishing trade show. Nearly 80 percent of the available exhibit space is sold, so reserve your space today. The ICAST 2010 exhibit space contract , floor plan and the Top Five Reasons to Exhibit are available on ICASTfishing.org . Contracts and booth assignments will not be processed until a deposit is received. For more information, contact Kenneth Andres , x231.
ICAST Registration and Housing Reservations Open
Registration and housing reservations for ICAST exhibitors and attendees has opened. Take advantage of discounted pre-registration rates before June 10. 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 Web site or contact Kenneth Andres , ICAST Associate, x231.
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 each ASA members offer in products and services.
Exhibitor Only Section on ICASTfishing.org
By now, you should have received your login and password information to enter the Exhibitor Only section on the ICAST Web site. The Exhibitor Only section contains important information that every exhibitor needs to know to have a successful show including the ICAST Promo Pak and coming in March the Exhibitor Service Manual. Please visit the 2010 Exhibitors Only section of www.ICASTfishing.org to obtain important information available only to exhibitors. If you have not received your login and password information, please contact Kenneth Andres ICAST Associate, x231.
Post Your ICAST Press Release on ICASTfishing.org
ASA has a special exhibitor promotional opportunity. ASA Communications 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.
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 , ESPN Outdoor/BASS , and ZEBCO Brands ; Silver - In-Fisherman and Sebile USA ; and Bronze - Classic Fishing Products, Inc. , Gill North America and Tuscaroran Pro-Lures . 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.
Renew 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.
Welcome New Members!
ASA welcomes these new members or members who reinstated their membership in January and February: Bluewater Outriggers , Port St. Joe, FL; Bradley Smoker, Inc., Galesburg, IL; Browning Eyewear & Accessories, Senatobia, MS; C.E. Smith Company , Greensboro, NC; Colt Rods Co. Inc. , North Las Vegas, NV; Computer Consultants Northwest, Inc., Sunriver, OR; Diablo Paddlesports , Austin, TX; Frichy , Zhang Jiagang, Jiangsu; Green Tackle , Portland, OR; Haddrell's Point Tackle & Supply , Mount Pleasant, SC; Haesung Enterprise Co., Ltd., Busan, Korea; Hart Tackle Company, Inc. , Bentonville, AR; Haven Fits Over Sunwear , San Luis Obispo, CA; JB Design LLC , Mesa, AZ; JDM Distribution Inc. , Diamond Bar, CA; Jonathan Paul Eyewear , Austin, TX; Kauai Rainbow Paint & Fishing Supply, Eleele, HI; Lippo International Inc. , Richmond Hill, ON, Canada; Lobina Lures , Mesa, AZ; Mojo Sportswear Company , Mary Ester, FL; Mustang Survival, Inc., Bellingham, WA; Ningbo Longkai Import & Export Co., Ltd. , Ningbo, Zhejiang, Peoples Republic of China; Outdoor News Publishing , Plymouth, MN; Portage Tackle, Inc., Cottage Grove, MN; Shark Craft , New York, NY; Simms Fishing Products , Bozeman, MT; Superior Bait & Tackle , Baton Rouge, LA and Top-Sharp International Enterprise , Kwai Fong, Hong Kong; Torqeedo, Inc ., Crystal Lake, IL; and YE & YK Enterprises, Inc. , Torrance, CA.
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.
New Philadelphia Outdoor Sportshow
ASA is expanding its reach into the consumer outdoor sports market with the launch of the Greater Philadelphia Outdoor Sportshow, February 25-28, 2010, at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, located a short drive from downtown Philadelphia. The new consumer show will serve the more than 6 million fishing, hunting and outdoor sports enthusiasts who live in the region. The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks is one of the largest privately owned exhibition centers on the East Coast with 220,000 square feet of exhibitor-friendly space and is located just twenty minutes from central Philadelphia - www.phillyexpocenter.com . For more information about the Greater Philadelphia show or ASA’s other east coast consumer shows, contact Consumer Shows Director Jonathan Sauers, jonathan@sportshows.com , 603-431-4315 or visit www.sportshows.com .
Fred Hall Shows Coming in March
To more accurately reflect the wide-range of fishing, boating, hunting, shooting sports and a myriad of other outdoor sports, including diving and outdoor travel, showcased each year in Long Beach and San Diego, each show will now simply be called “The Fred Hall Show.” The name has changed to accommodate all the diverse outdoor recreation interests participating in the shows. The 2010 Fred Hall Shows are being held March 3-7, at the Long Beach Convention Center and March 24-28, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego. For information about the shows, please visit www.fredhall.com .
Jim Range National Casting Call
TheJim Range National Casting Call, produced by the American Fly Fishing Trade Association, will be held Thursday, April 22, at Fletcher's Cove in the C&O Canal National Historical Park in Washington, D.C. The event 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 ten years ago, the event was spearheaded by conservation visionary, Jim Range.In 2009, the event was renamed to honor his memory. The Family & Youth Casting Call , being held Saturday, April 24, provides children and their families an opportunity to learn to fish and to learn about fisheries and aquatic habitat conservation issues. For more information, visit www.nationalcastingcall.com .
Become a Facebook Fan!
ASA, ICAST, KeepAmericaFishing and the FishAmerica Foundation combined have well over a thousand 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.
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 Continues to Work with Conservation Partners
Johanna Laderman, executive director of FishAmerica, met with the Trout Unlimited’s (TU) Embrace-A-Stream Program (EAS) committee to review the 2010 proposals submitted to EAS for funding. FishAmerica has partnered with the TU EAS Program since 2007. In 2010 FAF will award TU EAS $10,000 in support of this program.
FishAmerica met with staff of the Chesapeake Bay Trust and the NOAA Restoration Center to review proposals to restore sportfish habitat in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Pending approval, through this partnership, FishAmerica intends will award $156,400 to three projects in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The projects, once completed will open nearly two miles of stream for fish passage, restore three acres of riparian area and stabilize a mile of streambank to prevent erosion and sedimentation. Since 2002, FishAmerica and the Trust have awarded more than $531,400 to 17 local fisheries conservation projects in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. These projects have restored more than 15 acres of wetlands and riparian areas, enhanced 46 square miles of instream habitat, provided three miles of passage to upstream habitat and created 11 acres of reef habitat.
ASA Member Contributions
FishAmerica thanks the following ASA members for their FY 2010 donations to the foundation: the BASS Federation Nation; Calderone & Associates; Citti Sales; Corporate Products, LLC (CORPRO); Costa Del Mar; 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.; 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 by following us on Twitter and Facebook.
Message from ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman
The snow storms that walloped much of the East Coast in February are going to have a devastating effect on businesses across this region. After a lackluster holiday season, many businesses, small and large, are struggling to make ends meet. At this point, the tons of snow lining the sidewalks, streets and highways in the Washington, D.C. area, have started to melt and clients and customers will find their way back. We can’t control the weather, but it’s clear that as a nation, we can ill afford any more events, natural or man-made, that further affect peoples’ lives and livelihoods.
However, on January 4, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service, the agency responsible for overseeing commercial and recreational saltwater fishing, imposed a six-month ban on recreational fishing for red snapper in federal waters off North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and the Atlantic coast of Florida. NOAA is also considering closing the entire bottom fish complex in the Atlantic Ocean to all fishing based on the first red snapper stock assessment in ten years. NOAA says that closing just the red snapper fishery isn’t sufficient to end overfishing because snapper by catch from other bottom fish would just be too high. This comes 34 years after the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act was voted into law to prevent this very thing from happening.
In a region that already has one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation, these decisions are being made despite a significant lack of reliable economic data. In fact, NOAA said in its red snapper ruling that “cost and revenue data for even the most directly affected businesses, such as fish dealers and bait and tackle shops, is unavailable.”
To help answer the red snapper data challenge, Big Rock Sports, LLC and ASA have partnered with an independent economic firm to survey hundreds of Southeast dealers to collect and analyze information about the Southeast sportfishing retail market. We want to document the economic impact of the red snapper closure and the potential bottom closure, something the federal government has clearly not done.
Since its inception, NOAA has allocated very little of its resources to collect reliable recreational sportfishing data, focusing largely on commercial fishing. However, the nature of recreational saltwater fishing and its impact on our economy has changed dramatically over the past 30 years. Using NOAA’s own data, the recreational sector creates 50 percent of the jobs coming from domestic saltwater fisheries while taking only three percent of the saltwater fish harvested each year.
Folks, whether we call the red snapper ban and the potential for a complete closing to bottom fishing the first car in the train wreck or the tip of the iceberg, it’s imperative that NOAA, Members of Congress and the Obama administration understand that the current methods for managing our federal marine fisheries simply aren’t working. What we’ve got isn’t fisheries management; it’s crisis management. Simply slamming the door on marine recreational fishing will have a devastating impact on our coastal communities and the sportfishing industry at a time when our country can ill afford either.
It’s time for NOAA and our administration to value our contributions to the economy and the jobs we create by investing the necessary resources for data collection and revamping our nation’s marine fisheries management systems.
In a February 23, 2010, letter to the administration, ASA and our recreational fishing and boating partners requested that immediate administrative action be taken to address the short- and long-term issues regarding resources for data collection and revamping our nation’s marine fisheries management system. If the proposed administrative remedies don’t work, then it will be necessary to examine those existing statutory requirements on overfishing that cannot be reasonably met with existing data and management tools. Thirty-four years ago, our nation took the first steps to address marine fisheries management issues. Now is the time for a bold, new approach to solving our marine fisheries management problems.
