May 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.
Sportfishing Industry Requests Immediate Federal Financial Assistance for Gulf
Congressional Action Supports Gulf Federal Financial Assistance
FishAmerica Foundation Gulf Fund – Preparing for Restoration
Urge the White House to Safeguard Recreational Fishing
June 2010 National Fishing and Boating Week
Government Affairs Staff Changes
Board of Directors to Meet at ICAST 2010
ICAST Pre-Registration and Housing Deadline is June 10
The State of the Industry Defined – Don’t Miss the ICAST 2010 Industry Breakfast
ICAST 2010 – Reserve Your Booth Space Today
Thank You ICAST Sponsors
ICAST Sponsorships Available
Beware of Unauthorized ICAST Housing Sales
Reelin’ & Dealin: A Guide to ICAST-only Specials
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!
FishAmerica Foundation Update
Message from ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman
Sportfishing Industry Requests Immediate Federal Financial Assistance for Gulf
On Friday, June 4, the sportfishing industry sent a letter to President Obama urging the administration to make federal financial assistance immediately available to recreational fishing-dependent businesses impacted by the Gulf of Mexico oil catastrophe. The industry also recommended that the administration develop a long-term compensation plan for these businesses to cover losses for the duration of the economic impact resulting from the current crisis. A post-Memorial Day survey of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida recreational fishing-dependent business owners, conducted by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), found that over 85 percent of the owners surveyed won’t survive the oil leak disaster’s fallout without immediate financial assistance. For up-to-date information on the Gulf of Mexico oil leak, please go to www.KeepAmericaFishing.org . ASA updates this site every day with information about the oil leak response including links to federal and state websites and the BP site.
Congressional Action Supports Gulf Federal Financial Assistance
In response to a request by Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), on June 2, 2010, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke added Florida to the May 24, Gulf of Mexico fishery disaster declaration due to the economic impact on recreational and commercial fisheries. The June 2, announcement adds Florida to Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Upon a fisheries disaster declaration, Congress must appropriate funds for the affected communities.
On May 27, the Senate approved its 2010 Supplemental Appropriations bill which included an amendment submitted by Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL), ranking member of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, that provides $15 million for fishery-dependent businesses harmed by the BP Deepwater Horizon oil leak. ASA urges the House of Representatives to follow suit and ensure that recreational fishing-dependent businesses are included in its 2010 Supplemental Appropriations bill.
FishAmerica Foundation Gulf Fund – Preparing for Restoration
Established in 2005 to provide funding for restoring fisheries habitat and recreational fishing facilities devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the FishAmerica Foundation is expanding its Gulf Fund grant program to include fisheries and their habitats that will be impacted by the Gulf of Mexico oil leak. The foundation will work with state and federal natural resource agencies and community conservation groups to identify and prioritize projects such as wetland creation and restoration, aquatic vegetation planting, rebuilding angler access and reestablishing fish passage in the Gulf Region. Please support these efforts and make a donation to the FishAmerica Foundation Gulf Fund now at www.fishamerica.org/gulfund .
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.
June 2010 National Fishing and Boating Week
With summer just around the corner, the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) is encouraging children and families to get outside during National Fishing and Boating Week, June 5 – 13. To help plan the perfect day on the water, outdoor enthusiasts can visit TakeMeFishing.org to find local events, search for free fishing days and learn about the impact boaters and anglers have on the environment. For a listing of more than 12,000 places to boat and fish, local events taking place during National Fishing and Boating Week and information about free fishing days, visit TakeMeFishing.org .
Government Affairs Staff Changes
After three years as ASA’s Ocean Resource Policy Director Patty Doerr is leaving the association to be the Director of Conservation Projects for the Nature Conservancy’s New Jersey chapter. ASA will miss her dedicated good work on behalf of the industry. We wish her well in her new job. ASA didn’t have to look far to find a new Ocean Resource Policy Director. Effective June 21, Mike Leonard, ASA’s current Policy Fellow, will take on the responsibilities of that position. Mike earned his Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Science from Virginia Tech and his Master’s degree in Fisheries Science from Auburn University. Please welcome Mike to his new position with ASA and wish Patty well in her new endeavors.
Board of Directors to Meet at ICAST 2010
ASA’s Board of Directors will meet Tuesday, July 13, 2010, from 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., at the Las Vegas Convention Center, prior to the opening day of ICAST. For more information, contact Joyce Anderson-Logan , x233.
ICAST Pre-Registration and Housing Deadline is June 10
If you haven’t already done so, please register now for this once-a-year opportunity. Badge fees for attendees increase after the pre-registration deadline on June 10. When registering for ICAST you can also make your hotel reservations at the official ICAST hotels including the Las Vegas Hilton, our ICAST headquarters. The Las Vegas Hilton is nearly sold out but rooms are still available at the other official ICAST hotels including the four Marriott properties which have further lowered their rates. You must register for an ICAST badge before registering for ICAST housing. For more information about ICAST, log on to www.ICASTfishing.org.
The State of the Industry Defined – Don’t Miss the ICAST 2010 Industry Breakfast
There is nowhere in the world like ICAST to find out what’s going on in our industry. During his State of the Industry remarks ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman will address the complex nature of the issues facing our industry – “the good, the bad and the ugly” - and what the industry is doing to address the issues. Last year, we told you about the need for an advocacy and fundraising campaign that is flexible enough to be used where access is threatened. This year, you’ll hear the details about KeepAmericaFishing™, why it’s vital to our industry’s future and how we plan to reach the nation’s millions of anglers.
Tickets for this event – Wednesday, July 14, 7:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. - are going fast and are just $40. This event sells out each year so make sure you get your tickets today. After June 10, ticket prices increase to $50. You can purchase tickets when registering for the show. Already registered? You can login to ICAST registration here to be a part of this important industry event. Make plans to attend the Industry Breakfast today!
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. More than 95 percent of the available exhibit space is sold, so time is of the essence. The ICAST 2010 exhibit space contract and floor plan 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, Mojo Sportswear Company, Southwick Associates and Tuscaroran Pro-Lures. This list is current as of June 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 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.
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 website or contact Experient, Inc. (301) 694-5243 or e-mail ASA-ICAST@experient-inc.com.
Reelin’ & Dealin’: A Guide to ICAST-only Specials
Special product discounts—exclusive to ICAST 2010—are a popular draw for retail and wholesale buyers. The Reelin’ & Dealin’: A Guide to ICAST-only Specials provides buyers an opportunity to save money on product orders placed during the show. The guide will be sent to registered buyers in mid-June. It will also be available during the show. Exhibitors that submitted their show specials form by April 1 are listed in the current May/June issue of Fishing Tackle Retailer. Those who submitted their information form by April 24 are listed in printed version of the Reelin’ & Dealin’ guide. To see a list of companies offering show specials, please visit the Show Specials page on the ICAST website. It’s still not too late to offer a show special. Contact Kenneth Andres, x231, or Melissa Woolley, x241 for more information.
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 standing who participate in all four of the ASA/ Eastern Fishing & Outdoor Expos will receive a 15 percent discount on standard priced booth space. Exhibitors who participate in three shows will receive a 10 percent discount off standard booth rates. No discount applies to space booked for the World Fishing & Outdoor Exposition in Suffern, N.Y. 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. Go to www.sportshows.com for show dates and other information.
Welcome New Members!
ASA welcomes these new members or members who reinstated their membership in May:
Aquavit Co.,Ltd., Abiko, Chiba, Japan; Chain Gang Innovations, Atlanta, GA; Dong Ah Fishing Industries Company, Ltd., Busan, South Korea; EarthSmart Products LLC, Wilmington, CA; EZE-LAP Diamond Products, Carson City, NV; Girls Fish Too, Burlington, ON, Canada; Grizzly's Tackle Company, Alma, WI; Jandell Corporation, Boyd, TX; Kershaw, Tualatin, OR; Ko-Man-Chi Fishing Inc./Doctor Spinnerbait, Brossard, QC, Canada; Kumho Fishing Tackle Co., Kimhae, South Korea; Langill Lures, Terrell, NC; Leverage Landing Net LLC, Oxford, MI; Oceaner Products USA, Inc., Corona, CA; Ocean LED USA, LLC, Fort Lauderdale, FL; O'Hare Spring Co Inc., Des Plaines, IL; Oliso, Inc., San Francisco, CA; Phenix Rods USA, Long Beach, CA; Pokee Fishing Tackle Co., Ltd, Tainan, Taiwan; Pro Power Winder, Gardena, CA; Rod Dancer Custom Fishing Rod Enhancements, Raleigh, NC; Seasons Four Tradelink, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China; Seeker Fishing Rods, Long Beach, CA; Snap Tail Lures, Tulsa, OK; Tae Hwa Fishing Tackle Mfg., Co., Busan Jen-Gu, South Korea; The Winning Team, Valencia, CA; Tropic Star Lodge of Panama, Orlando, FL; Ultimate Michigan Fishing LLC, St. Clair, MI; Versa Electronics, Minneapolis, MN; Vexilar/AWC Distributing - SALMO USA, Bloomington, MN; Walker Downriggers, Inc., Stayner, ON, Canada; Ya Tai-Electric Appliances Co., Ltd., Zhongshan, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China and ZeeBaas LLC, Stratford, CT.
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. Find FishAmerica on Twitter – www.twitter.com/fishamerica - and on Facebook - www.facebook.com/fishamerica.
June 21 Deadline for FishAmerica Proposals
June 21, is the deadline to submit proposals for community-based habitat restoration projects for applicants affected by the recent oil leak 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. Grants up to $75,000 will be awarded October 2010. Interested organizations can find the application packet at www.fishamerica.org/grants.
FishAmerica and NOAA recognize the need to maintain flexibility in the way projects impacted by the recent Gulf oil leak are carried out. Funding cannot be provided through this solicitation for direct oil leak mitigation or clean-up, however other modifications to the project (e.g. delayed implementation) may be considered.
FishAmerica Staff Attend River Conferences
In May, FishAmerica Foundation Executive Director Johanna Laderman attended the River Management Society meeting and the National Association of Recreation Resource Planners Symposium in Portland, Ore. to explore how scientists, planners and managers are maintaining or restoring ecosystem sustainability while providing opportunities for high quality recreation experiences on rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
Celebrate Dad this Father’s Day and Support FishAmerica
Make a donation to FishAmerica in honor of your favorite angler at www.fishamerica.org/store and help keep our fish and waters healthy. You can also shop for the perfect gift at www.iGive.com/fishamerica or www.goodsearch.com/?charityid=813986. You save money and up to 30 percent of your purchase will be donated to FishAmerica just by selecting FishAmerica as your charity!
ASA Member Contributions
FishAmerica thanks the following ASA members for their FY 2010 donations to the foundation: AA Worms/Optimum Baits; Adventure Advertising, LLC; BASS Federation Nation; Bayou Outdoors, Inc.; Calderone & Associates; Carrera-Werner Sales Company; Citti Sales; Corporate Products, LLC (CORPRO); Costa Del Mar; Daiwa Corporation; Ed Cumings, 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.; The Kids Fishing Shop; Wright & McGill Co.; Yakima Bait Company; and ZipVac by CTI Industries.
Message from ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman
With ICAST just weeks away, I want to share with you my perspective on how the show and the state of the industry are shaping up. Given the ongoing economic challenges still facing our nation and the Gulf of Mexico oil leak disaster, I fully understand that you may have questions about what to expect when we meet in July at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
ICAST is the world’s largest and most important sportfishing industry event. For over 50 years, ICAST has been the sportfishing industry’s business hub, serving as the catalyst to meet the needs of anglers worldwide. This means delivering a show built on quality of attendance as much as quantity. I’m happy to report that booth sales and registration are tracking ahead of last year at this time. We are very excited about the way the show is coming together. Our ICAST team is pushing hard in every aspect of the show planning to make sure every ICAST exhibitor and attendee has the best experience possible in 2010. ICAST 2009, held in Orlando for the first time in 10 years, was rated an outstanding success by exhibitors and attendees alike. Our goal is to ensure 2010 is even better. My thanks go to ASA’s exhibitors, and all our members, for your investment in and support of the industry and the American Sportfishing Association.
At the same time, it’s safe to say that every business and industry continues to feel the effects of the toughest economic recession since the Great Depression. For our friends and colleagues in the Gulf region, the oil leak catastrophe is having a devastating impact in a region still recovering from the financial impacts of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Ike and Gustav. The impact on Gulf businesses is being felt nationwide by the manufacturers and distributors who supply products to bait and tackle shops, marinas and other recreational fishing-dependent businesses. Some of these family-owned businesses along with their employees are now facing the tragic reality that without sufficient emergency financial assistance, the loss of revenue due to the oil leak will force them to go out of business by the Fourth of July.
While the longer term impacts of the oil on water quality and sportfish species remain uncertain and must be addressed, we maintain that businesses should not be forced to close prematurely due to this unprecedented disaster and we’ve asked President Obama to provide immediate financial assistance. The industry’s thanks go to Senators Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Richard Shelby (R-AL) and all the Members of the Senate for their actions to acknowledge and provide financial support to businesses in the Gulf region. ASA urges the House of Representatives to follow suit and ensure that recreational fishing-dependent businesses are included in its 2010 Supplemental Appropriations bill.
And the issues don’t end in the Gulf of Mexico. In the South Atlantic, since January, anglers – and the businesses they support - have been living under a red snapper fishing ban. This week, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council voted to expand that ban to include all bottom fishing in a 5,000 square mile area off the coasts of Florida and Georgia effective January 2011. A new red snapper stock assessment is due to be presented to the council in December. Why not wait for the results of that study before taking such extreme and potentially economically devastating action? We know the red snapper fishery in this region needs rebuilding and anglers and the sportfishing industry want the healthiest possible fishery. The council should have waited until it had the most up-to-date and accurate data possible, including socio-economic impacts, before it made its decision. Without good data, responsible fisheries management simply isn’t possible. Frankly, this isn’t fisheries management at all; it’s crisis management. This situation needs to be fixed; it needs to be fixed fast; and it needs to be fixed legislatively. On June 9, the sportfishing community, in partnership with the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, held a briefing for Members of Congress and their staff to outline the need for better data and the immediate need to amend the Magnuson-Stevens Act to bring commonsense to our marine fisheries management.
The nature of our business is becoming increasingly complex. From the Industry Breakfast to the business seminars to the ARC Resource Center, you’ll have many opportunities to learn more about the issues facing our industry and what we’re doing to address them.
I look forward to seeing you next month in Las Vegas!
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