March 2008 American Sportfishing Association Policy Watch
Policy Watch is a monthly update for the sportfishing community about the American Sportfishing Association’s Government Affairs activities.
For more information on ASA Government Affairs activities, contact Gordon Robertson, vice president and Government Affairs lead, 703.519.9691, x237, Patty Doerr, Ocean Resource Policy director, x244, or Mary Beth Charles, Policy Fellow, x230.
Marine Life Protection Act Update
Efforts in Phase II of California’s implementation of the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) have reached a critical phase. The regional stakeholder group (RSG) has forwarded three final proposals, designating marine protected areas (MPA’s) in the North Central Coast study area, to the Blue Ribbon Task Force. ASA and its fellow members of the Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO) are supporting Proposal 2-XA, which is based on several key elements of the PSO’s original Marine Resources Protection Plan. It balances the needs of the recreational fishing community and local economies with sound conservation, resulting in minimal unnecessary closures. To provide comment and support for Proposal 2-XA, please visit www.keepamericafishing.org and click Take Action Now.
MLPA Forum Held During ASA/Fred Hall Long Beach Show
As part of its efforts to increase awareness in southern California regarding the MLPA, ASA hosted a breakfast forum during the March ASA/Fred Hall's Fishing Tackle, Boat and Travel Show in Long Beach, Calif. The panel at the forum included ASA, the Sportfishing Association of California, the Southern California Marine Association, the United Anglers of Southern California (each members of the PSO) and the president of the California Fish and Game Commission, Richard Rogers. ASA Vice President Gordon Robertson gave a presentation on the MLPA, its implementation and its potential impact on the sportfishing industry. The panel then participated in a question and answer session.
Meeting of the Cape Hatteras Negotiated Rulemaking Committee
The third official meeting of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Negotiated Rulemaking Committee was held in Avon, North Carolina. Board of Directors member Bob Eakes, president, Red Drum Tackle Shop, Inc., represents ASA on the committee. Over the next year, the committee will be working to develop a consensus management plan for the use of off-road vehicles (ORVs) on the beaches of the seashore. Discussion at the March meeting focused on various types of beach closures currently being implemented at the National Seashore, as well as reports from various subcommittees and work groups, including the Socio-Economic Subcommittee. The next meeting is scheduled for May 8 -9, 2008, in Nags Head, North Carolina.
Grouper Problems in the Gulf of Mexico
To address problems facing gag grouper in the Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is proposing a suite of inequitable reductions in gag grouper take, including expanding marine protected areas and transferring fishing rights from recreational anglers to commercial fishing fleets. The Council is recommending a 45 percent reduction in gag grouper take; limiting the recreational angler to only one gag grouper in an aggregate bag of three fish; closing the recreational fishing season for grouper from January 15 to April 15 every year; and transferring the fishing rights of over half of the Gulf’s grouper complex to a limited number of commercial fishermen. In contrast, the Council is proposing that the commercial fleet retain its current take and have only a one month closure. The Council is scheduled to vote on the grouper issue at its April meeting, but members have asked that the vote be delayed until June. ASA believes there are more equitable ways to address the grouper issue and will be providing its comments to the Council. Individual public comment will also be accepted and considered by council members. To provide comment, go to ASA’s position on the gag grouper issue and use the embedded links to send letters to the National Marine Fisheries Service, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, and your Members of Congress.
Clean Boating Act of 2008
Unless Congress acts soon, all 18 million recreational boat owners in the country will be required to obtain a federal or state Clean Water Act (CWA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit in order to operate their boats. These permits would apply to any water-based, non-polluting operational discharge from a recreational boat and would result in yearly fees, bureaucratic red tape, confusing and potentially state-by-state regulations, citizen suits and $32,000 per day penalties for non-compliance. Due to a recent court order, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is already writing this unprecedented new regulation for boaters, which is required to be completed by September 2008. Meanwhile, Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Bill Nelson (D-FL) have just introduced S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008. The Act would fully and permanently restore a 35-year NPDES permit exemption for recreational boat incidental discharges. This bill preserves recreational boating and the boating industry, taking a balanced approached that recognizes that pleasure boat discharges are completely different from land-based industrial facilities and commercial ships. Please read ASA’s position on S. 2766 and use the embedded links to send a letter to your Members of Congress urging their support for the Clean Boating Act of 2008.
Fishing Zones Off California and Oregon Closed to Protect Salmon
State and federal officials took the pre-emptive step to close seven salmon fishing zones off the coasts of California and Oregon earlier than usual to protect Chinook that remain alive in the ocean. The actions come amid a steep decline in the California Central Valley’s fall Chinook salmon run, a normally robust run that underpins the fishery in both states. Last year's run was the second-lowest in 35 years of record-keeping, and this year is predicted to be even lower. The agencies decided early closures are needed because the Pacific Fishery Management Council won't make a final ruling on the 2008 salmon season until mid-April, and seasons that normally open before then could jeopardize the species.
ASA Meets with NOAA Marine Sanctuaries Staff
ASA staff met with Bill Causey, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Southeast Regional director for the National Marine Sanctuaries Program. The meeting focused on the Administration’s draft proposal to create a network of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the Gulf of Mexico. ASA reiterated its position that recreational fishing opportunities should be protected and that any new network should be created through an open public process.
ASA Staff Attends NOAA Sanctuaries Constituent Briefing
ASA staff attended a constituent briefing hosted by NOAA which focused on the National Marine Sanctuaries. Several sanctuary superintendents were in attendance to brief members of the recreational fishing and boating community on recent activities at the sanctuaries. Many of the sanctuaries, including Flower Garden Banks and Stellwagen Bank, are undergoing revisions of its management plans. These revisions may include the creation of MPAs.
National Fish Habitat Action Plan
ASA has a leadership role in the legislative effort to obtain a cosponsor for the National Fish Habitat Action Plan (NFHAP) in the Senate. Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT) has agreed to introduce the NFHAP, but suggests supporters assist his office in seeking a bipartisan cosponsor. The NFHAP legislative team attended a number of meetings with Senate and House staff in March to seek additional sponsors, and had a positive reception from House staff. Although the timeline is short, the NFHAP legislative team will continue to advocate for introduction this year.
Farm Bill Update
With both the House and Senate versions of the 2007 Farm Bill passed, ASA is working with its partners in the Agriculture and Wildlife Working Group (AWWG) to target key Congressional members as differences in the House and Senate versions are reconciled. The 2002 Farm Bill extension, which would have expired on March 15, has been reinstated until April 18. This was welcomed by the AWWG, which is now working even harder to promote a strong conservation title. However, there is still concern about a presidential veto, which could reinstate the 2002 Farm Bill until 2009. Under the Administration’s proposal, the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, a program of particular importance to recreational fisheries, would be eliminated along with a number of other conservation programs.
ASA Staff Attend 73nd North American Conference
ASA, FishAmerica Foundation, and Future Fisherman Foundation staff attended the 73nd North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference held March 24-28 in Phoenix, Arizona. The conference is one of the largest gatherings of fishery and wildlife officials and other fish and wildlife interest groups held each year. ASA attended a variety of committee meetings including marine fisheries; Farm Bill strategic development; legislative and federal budget appropriations; energy and wildlife policy; fish and wildlife health; fisheries and water resource policy; communications, outreach and diversity and fish and wildlife trust funds.
AFWA Approves Marine Protected Area Position Statement
During the 73rd North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference, at the closing business meeting, members of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies approved a policy position on marine protected areas (MPA’s). The statement highlighted the need for sound science and an open, public process when considering the designations of new MPAs.
ASA Attends Excise Tax Working Group Meeting
The spring meeting of the Federal Excise Tax Working Group was attended by ASA. In attendance were all the excise tax paying industries—sportfishing, archery, firearms and ammunition—as well as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). This was the first meeting with the new Director of Specialty Taxes, Ruth Perez. Ms. Perez has taken the place of Bill Conlon. Each industry as well as the IRS and the USFWS provided a report of activities since last fall’s meeting. The IRS reported that they will continue agent training and will continue to place a high level of effort on fairness and equity.
