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2008 Sportfishing Summit Brings Industry Leaders Together
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2008 Sportfishing Summit Brings Industry Leaders Together
ASA adopts position on reauthorization of the fisheries management trust fund
Alexandria, VA – November 5, 2008 – Despite the unstable economy and last minute changes to the venue, more than 100 sportfishing industry leaders representing 66 companies and organizations from the United States and Canada gathered October 28 – 30, at the Brown Palace Hotel in Denver, Colo., for the American Sportfishing Association’s (ASA) 2008 Sportfishing Summit. During the association’s annual business meeting, the members focused their efforts on the issues facing the sportfishing industry.
“It’s a tough business environment, but that’s the perfect time for our industry to pull together and look for opportunities to help ensure our future. As ASA’s new Chairman of the Board of Directors, I’m looking forward to leading our association over the next two years,” said Jeff Pontius, president, ZEBCO Brands. “Our industry has seen tough times before and I know we’re up to the challenge.”
A new Executive Committee was also appointed during the Summit. The association’s officers, who will serve a two-year term, are: Chairman of the Board Jeff Pontius, president, ZEBCO Brands; Immediate Past Chairman Randy Lemcke, vice president, Plano Molding Co.; Vice Chairman Jeff Marble, CEO, Frabill, Inc.; Secretary Gregg Wollner, executive vice president, Rapala; Treasurer Peter Foley, president, Boone Bait Company; and At-Large Gary Zurn, senior vice president, Big Rock Sports.
“I want to thank our members and guests who took the time out from their busy schedules to attend the 2008 Summit. As we look to 2009 and beyond, it’s imperative that our members take an active role in the industry’s future,” Nussman said. “In fact, we have quite a few members who have been with the association for five years or less who volunteered to serve on one or more of our committees. That bodes very well for our industry.”
After several days of meetings and discussions, ASA’s Board of Directors approved a number of motions including that ASA take the lead in assembling a coalition of angling and boating organizations to meet the challenge of fishing closures and fishery management issues at a meeting to be held in the near future.
The Board also adopted a formal position on the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund (Wallop-Breaux) reauthorization which will come before the new 111th Congress. A key point in ASA’s position is that language should be included in the reauthorization that reduces a state’s apportionment by the percentage of waters closed to recreational fishing for reasons based on other than fisheries science, excluding national security. The fund is the main source of funding for state wildlife and natural resource agencies in the United States and is used for fisheries management and other angling and boating programs. Funds are appropriated to the states based on license sales and water area.
ASA will also strongly support a national reservoir partnership within the National Fish Habitat Action Plan. The President’s recent Executive Order ensuring that federal agencies must maintain recreational fishing on federal lands and waters, including marine protected areas (MPAs), was also discussed.
On the recommendation of the Show Committee, the Board of Directors also approved several changes related to ICAST and the New Product Showcase. New language regarding copyright and patent infringement and intellectual property theft concerns will be included in the ICAST Exhibitor Service Manual. Beginning in 2009, exhibiting personnel are not permitted in the NPS during the voting period which begins at the Tuesday night New Product Showcase Preview Reception until 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday when voting closes. In addition, voting buyers and media are permitted only one ballot per buying entity or media outlet.
“The New Product Showcase generated a lot of discussion this year both at the show and after. The concerns of our exhibitors and attendees were shared with the Show Committee members, who are also buyers, media members and exhibitors,” said ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman. “The changes we are making this year are intended to help ensure an even and fair playing field for everyone involved in the New Product Showcase.”
ASA would especially like to thank its Summit sponsors FishAmerica Foundation, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, Townsend and Townsend and Crew LLP, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and ZEBCO Brands for helping to make this year’s membership meeting a great success.
The 2009 Sportfishing Summit is scheduled for October 27 - 29, at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, Calif.
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FishAmerica Foundation Receives Contribution from Daiwa Corporation
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FishAmerica Foundation Receives Contribution from Daiwa Corporation
Funds will be used to enhance family fishing waters
Alexandria, VA - November 6, 2008 — The FishAmerica Foundation was presented with a $10,000 donation from the Daiwa Corporation during the 2008 Sportfishing Summit in Denver, Colorado, held October 28-30. This donation will be used by the foundation to enhance family fishing waters and ensure that future generations of anglers will have access to fishing areas.
Daiwa’s Vice President of Sales Terry Pedersen presented the check to FishAmerica’s Executive Director Johanna Laderman and American Sportfishing Association (ASA) President and CEO Mike Nussman during ASA’s annual business meeting held October 28 – 30, in Denver, Colo. FishAmerica is ASA’s fisheries conservation and research foundation.
“As part of Daiwa's celebration of 50 years in the fishing tackle industry, we wish to make this donation in support of FishAmerica Foundation's invaluable work in habitat and sport fish restoration. As we and others who have been in this industry for so long realize, our hobby and livelihood could not exist without strong stewardship of our sport fishery,” said Pedersen.
“FishAmerica is proud to be the recipient of Daiwa’s generous gift,” said Laderman. “It is gifts from companies such as Daiwa that have contributed to our many successes over the past 25 years and our ability to restore and improve fisheries across the United States.”
This year, FishAmerica is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Since 1983, the foundation has invested more than $10 million in 1,000 projects in the United States and Canada. FishAmerica’s family fishing program was launched to create, enhance and restore fishing opportunities within easy reach of suburban and urban families – “within a short bicycle ride of every child.” Since 2000, the foundation has awarded more than $135,000 to fund community-based family fishing projects across the United States. The grants were matched with more than $376,000 in cash and in-kind donations by the local community – a nearly three to one return on the foundation’s investment.
For more information on the FishAmerica Foundation, and to learn more about the projects that the foundation has supported over the last 25 years, go to www.fishamerica.org.
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Federal Government Confirms Red Drum and Striped Bass Gamefish Status
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Federal Government Confirms Red Drum and Striped Bass Gamefish Status
Announcement affirms 2007 Executive Order signed by President Bush
Alexandria, VA – October 17, 2008 – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NFMS) announced in the October 17, 2008, Federal Register that the requirements set by Executive Order 13449 which established striped bass and red drum as gamefish have been fulfilled. NMFS determined that the current rules banning the sale of striped bass and red drum caught in federal waters in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico achieve the intent of Executive Order 13449, signed by President George W. Bush on October 20, 2007.
“This ruling ensures that striped bass and red drum will survive and grow for generations of anglers to enjoy,” ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman said. “We are very pleased that NMFS has completed this ruling ensuring that federal waters will be closed to commercial fishing for these important gamefish.”
Executive Order 13449 established gamefish status for striped bass and red drum in federal waters. Gamefish status means that the two species are provided regulations and management measures to promote their well-being as a fish sought for recreational fishing and not for sale if caught in federal waters.
This announcement insures the recreational, economic and environmental benefits of two of the most popular gamefish in the United States. The order protects the fisheries in federal waters from commercial harvest, which include three miles to 200 miles offshore. The Order does not cover state waters, which go from the coastline to three miles offshore. Many states have conferred gamefish status for these species and the executive order encourages those that have not conferred gamefish status to do so. The announcement on October 17, 2008 signifies that the regulatory requirements of the executive order were fulfilled.
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LANDMARK FISH HABITAT BILL INTRODUCED IN U.S. SENATE
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LANDMARK FISH HABITAT BILL INTRODUCED IN U.S. SENATE
(WASHINGTON, DC) – Today, Senators Joe Lieberman (I-CT), Christopher Bond (R-MO), Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY), and George Voinovich (R-OH), introduced the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act of 2008, a comprehensive strategy to allocate conservation dollars for effective restoration of our national waterways.
Commentary from Senator Joe Lieberman:
“The National Fish Habitat Conservation Act, which I introduced today along with Senators Bond, Clinton, and Voinovich, will revolutionize how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approaches fish habitat conservation. With 40 percent of our fish populations in decline and half of our waters impaired, the current fragmented approach to fish habitat protection and preservation has clearly not worked. This bill encourages collaborative regional conservation efforts that bring together federal government agencies, state and local governments, conservation groups, fishing industry groups, and businesses. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to enact this critical legislation to help restore fishstocks across the country.”
The legislation was spearheaded by numerous leading environmental organizations including the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, the American Sportfishing Association, The Nature Conservancy, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, and Trout Unlimited, all of which share a common interest in the success of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan.
Currently, our nation’s efforts to address threats to fish species are fragmented, and not comprehensive enough to reverse this downward trend. Earlier this month, the American Fisheries Society's Endangered Species Committee (ESC), a U.S. Geological Survey-led team of scientists, conducted a detailed evaluation of the health of our nation’s freshwater fishes. In examining the status of continental freshwater and diadromous (migrating between rivers and oceans) fish, the ESC determined that nearly 40 percent of fish species in North American streams, rivers and lakes are now imperiled. This dramatic increase in the number of imperiled fish since the last report 20 years ago calls for the urgent action provided in the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act of 2008.
Under this legislation, federal and state governments, the recreational and commercial fishing industries, the conservation community, and businesses will work together to collectively to conserve and protect aquatic habitats using science-based conservation approaches.
The National Fish Habitat Conservation Act directs critical new resources toward the nation’s fish and aquatic communities through partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation and improve the quality of life for the American people. This Legislation leverages federal, state, and private funds to build regional partnerships aimed at addressing the nation’s biggest fisheries problems.
To date, the National Fish Habitat Action Plan’s progress has included:
• Establishment of six fish habitat partnerships including:
o Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership
o Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture
o Western Native Trout Initiative
o Midwest Driftless Area Restoration Effort
o Matanuska-Susitna Basin Salmon Habitat Partnership
o Southwest Alaska Salmon Habitat Partnership
• Allocated approximately $11 Million towards:
o On the ground restoration projects through fish habitat partnerships
o A National Fish Habitat Assessment – due in 2010
This legislation is expected to improve not only important fish habitat, but also the overall health of vital waterways throughout the United States.
Commentary from Fish Habitat Partners:
From Kelly Hepler, Chairman of the National Fish Habitat Board:
“I would first like to express my sincere gratitude to the sponsors of the bill and their commitment to improving the quality of life in this country,” said Kelly Hepler, of the Alaska Fish and Game Department and Chairman of the National Fish Habitat Board. “The waterways in our country are the true lifeblood of our nation and the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act will not only provide additional fishing opportunities and public access to these waterways but will also improve the health of the water and therefore the health of our families.”
From Mark Tercek, President and CEO of The Nature Conservancy:
“This is a landmark bill that, if passed, would show our country is moving in the right direction to protect freshwater and aquatic ecosystems,” said Mark Tercek, president and CEO of The Nature Conservancy. “With recent studies showing that fish species are in serious decline, we are in dire need of implementing a nationwide, comprehensive program to protect fish habitat. We need to act swiftly on this important legislation.”
From Gordon Robertson, Vice President - American Sportfishing Association:
“The National Fish Habitat Conservation Act will provide new money for fish habitat conservation in this country,” said ASA Vice President Gordon Robertson. “It represents a ground-up approach to fishery conservation and is complimentary to the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund Act. By improving the nation’s fishery resources, the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act will also provide more recreational fishing opportunities for America’s 40 million anglers.”
The National Fish Habitat Action Plan board and staff appreciate the leadership and commitment of Senators Lieberman, Bond, Clinton and Voinovich along with their many colleagues who we hope will support this unprecedented legislation.
About the National Fish Habitat Action Plan:
The National Fish Habitat Action Plan is the most comprehensive effort ever attempted to treat the causes of aquatic habitat decline and fix the nation’s most pressing fisheries problems. The Action Plan is a science-based investment strategy to conserve waterways and make conservation dollars stretch farther by combining federal and privately raised funds to build regional partnerships. For more information, visit www.fishhabitat.org.
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CONTACT:
Ryan Roberts 202-329-8882
NFHAP Communications Coordinator rroberts@fishwildlife.org
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A “LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN” WITH THE ANGEL ANGLERS
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A “LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN” WITH THE ANGEL ANGLERS
Boys & Girls Club youth team with Bassmaster Elite Series pros
Alexandria, VA – August 19, 2008 – For 40 novice anglers from Boys & Girls Clubs around the country, having the opportunity to fish alongside the Bassmaster Elite Series professional anglers was an experience of a lifetime. The young anglers participated in the Future Fisherman Foundation’s Youth Fishing competition held Saturday, August 2, in Buffalo, N.Y, during the Elite Series Empire Chase.
The Future Fisherman Foundation, the angling education arm of the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), is in its second year of a partnership with the Department of Justice Law Enforcement and Youth Partnerships for Crime Prevention initiative to implement the Future Fisherman Foundation’s Hooked on Fishing–Not on Drugs® program bringing fishing and aquatic education to Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. Each club selected its youth participants based on solid leadership, good behavior and demonstrated angling skills.
The teams traveled to Buffalo to compete alongside nineteen of the Bassmaster’s Elite Series professionals known as the Angel Anglers. The Angel Anglers are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of kids through participation in fishing. The Angel Anglers program was launched four years ago to introduce young people to bass fishing who would not otherwise have an opportunity to participate.
Junior anglers Krysta Johnson and Aaron Patterson, both 13, of the Sanford/Lee County (North Carolina) Boys & Girls Club teamed up with the 2007 Bassmaster Elite Series Rookie of the Year Derek Remitz to win the youth fishing competition.
Remitz, Johnson and Patterson weighed in five fish with an overall weight of 14 pounds, 6 ounces to nudge out the team from Santa Monica, Calif. The tournament weigh- in was shared with the public through ESPN’s live online feed.
The winning team members said they enjoyed their time on the water with Remitz who also shared a few new angling skills. “He taught me how to cast and fish with a baitcasting reel,” said Patterson. “I had a great time.” Johnson added, “Derek showed me how to spot where fish are hiding and how to cast to them so you don’t scare them and that makes catching fish much more fun.” The 2007 youth competition champions, Suzette Martinez and Ingrid Camberos of Boys & Girls Clubs of South Bay (Calif.), returned both as junior instructors and to defend their title. They teamed up again with their 2007 partner, Elite Series pro Steve Kennedy, but were no match for the bag brought in by the Sanford/Lee County Boys & Girls club team.
“Last year was fabulous and this year was even better since we were able to bring more youth and pair them up with such fantastic pros,” said Anne Danielski, Future Fisherman Foundation executive director. “I cannot say enough positive things about the Angel Anglers, BASS, ESPN and everyone associated with this event. The kids were so excited they had trouble sleeping and so did I!”
Danielski further said, “Although Johnson and Patterson were the official winners of the youth tournament, all of the young anglers returned home with new skills, new equipment, and guidance from a mentor and memories that will last a lifetime.”
The event was a success thanks to the considerable support and donations provided by ASA member companies and partner organizations. Gear and program support were provided by BASS/ESPN Outdoors, Gemini Sport Marketing, Shakespeare, ZEBCO Brands, Plano Molding Company, FISHHER, TTI Blakemore Fishing Group, BoatU.S.Angler, Erie County Bassmasters, New York Sea Grant and Xtreme Glove. Danielski said, “The foundation thanks these angels as well for their generous contributions of equipment in support of this program.”
To obtain copies of the photos, please contact the Future Fisherman Foundation at 703-519-9691.
For more information about becoming involved in youth angling programs, contact the Future Fisherman Foundation at 703-519-9691, www.futurefisherman.org.
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