National Fishing & Boating Week 2005 Highlights
ASA Committee Meetings
During National Fishing and Boating Week 2005, the American Sportfishing
Association held several committee meetings. The committees that met
include: Advocacy, Data and Statistics, Excise Tax, Government Affairs and
the Freshwater and Saltwater subcommittees. Below are brief summaries from
each of the committee meetings.
Advocacy
The committee members and guests reviewed previous ASA advocacy
actions as well as goals, funding and partnerships.
Data and Statistics
The Data and Statistics committee discussed the ASA “Fishing Statistics” Web
pages and possible standardization of data and statistics definitions. Additionally,
Barry Gauthier, SportScanINFO, gave a presentation outlining his company’s
service regarding point-of-sale reporting data from industry manufacturers.
Excise Tax
Members present at the Excise Tax committee meeting discussed
strategy in preparation for the June 9, 2005, meeting with the IRS.
Government Affairs
The Government Affairs committee discussed many items
including the status of the lead ban issue in Canada as well as angler
advocacy, the National Fish Habitat Initiative and the Wallop-Breaux reauthorization.
Freshwater Subcommittee
Attendees of the Freshwater subcommittee discussed
the Wallop-Breaux reauthorization; the federal hatchery oversight hearing
on May 24, 2005; the Forest Service’s “Rise
to the Future” program, the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture; federal
land access issues; and other topics.
Saltwater Subcommittee
The Saltwater subcommittee discussed the Magnuson-Stevens
Act reauthorization; EEZ plans for striped bass; Marine Protected Areas;
buyout programs, saltwater licenses; and international standards.
