March 2008 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 on its Government Affairs activities called Policy Watch. These documents can be found in the Government Affairs section of ASA’s Web site.
ICAST 2008 — Follow Your Instincts
ASA March Board of Directors Meeting
Board of Directors Elections
Welcome New Members
Service Provider Spotlight
National Fishing and Boating Week 2008
European Fishing Tackle Trade Exhibition 2008
RBFF Elects New Board of Directors Members
Mark Your Calendars for the 2008 Sportfishing Summit
Morlock Receives Canadian Sportfishing Industry Award
New Addition to ASA Staff
World Recreational Fishing Conference
New Addition to ASA Family
FishAmerica Foundation Updates
Future Fisherman Foundation Updates
Message from ASA Vice President Gordon Robertson
ICAST 2008—Follow Your Instincts
For more information about the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) 2008, including answers to frequently asked questions, visit ICAST on the Web at www.asafishing.org/icast. If you have other questions or need further assistance, contact ICAST Associate Ken Andres, x231, or ICAST Director Maria del Valle, x240.
Exhibiting at ICAST 2008
ICAST 2008, the world’s largest showcase of innovation in sportfishing gear and accessories under one roof, will be held July 16–18 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Limited exhibit space still is available, so follow your instincts and reserve your space for ICAST 2008 now. The exhibit space contract and floor plan are available on ASA’s Web site along with a current list of exhibitors and exhibitor FAQs. More than 90 percent of the show floor has been reserved, so companies that want to exhibit should submit an exhibit space contract as soon as possible to ensure their business is front and center for the 2,000 buyers and 400 media representatives who attend the show. For more information visit ICAST on the Web or contact ICAST Associate Ken Andres, x231.
ICAST 2008 Exhibitor and Attendee Registration
Online registration for ICAST exhibitors and attendees is open. The easiest and most efficient way to register is through the ICAST Web site. When registering please review the forms carefully as some options have changed. ICAST 2008 registration materials will be mailed at the end of March. For more information contact Ken Andres, x231.
Exhibitor Promo Pak Is Available
One of the best resources ASA provides for its exhibitors is the Exhibitor Promo Pak, which contains many items to help exhibitors promote their booths and attract buyers to the show. The Promo Pak was mailed to ICAST exhibitors in early March, and a downloadable PDF is available on the Web site. For more information contact Ken Andres, x231.
ICAST 2008 Exhibitor Service Manual
Exhibitors who have paid both their booth fees and their ASA membership dues will receive their Exhibitor Service Manual in mid-April. Please contact Ann Sweeney, Membership Services manager, x241, if you need assistance regarding membership dues. For more information or to reserve your exhibit space, contact Ken Andres, x231.
ICAST 2008 Sponsorship Opportunities Available
ICAST 2008 sponsorships are still available. ICAST sponsorship opportunities are a great way to raise your company’s visibility during the world’s largest sportfishing trade show. Sponsorship opportunities are priced to meet every budget, so take advantage of them now and ensure that your company receives the best opportunity to be front and center for the industry’s biggest players. For more information about sponsorship opportunities contact Ken Andres, x231.
ICAST 2008 on the Web
We regularly update the ICAST section of ASA’s Web site with new information to ensure that exhibitors and attendees alike have a top-notch experience at ICAST. Please check the Web site for the latest information. If you have other questions or need further assistance, Ken Andres, ICAST coordinator, x231, or Maria del Valle, ICAST director, x240.
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ASA March Board of Directors Meeting
ASA’s Board of Directors met on March 7, 2008, during the ASA/Fred Hall Fishing Tackle, Boat and Outdoor Show in Long Beach, Calif. The Board discussed a variety of issues including marine protected areas, summer flounder, future ICAST shows, Board nominations and the nominating process. The next meeting of the Board of Directors will be held during ICAST on July 15, 2008, in Las Vegas.
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Board of Directors Elections
Ballots for ASA’s Board of Directors elections will be mailed on May 1, 2008, to members who have paid their 2008 membership dues by April 16. Members will elect six representatives to ASA's Board of Directors, with terms beginning in October 2008. Elections are open for three regional and three at-large seats. Regional seats cover the Great Lakes, Northeast and Great Plains and Inter-mountain regions. Ballots are due on or before May 30, 2008. According to ASA’s bylaws, only members with Regular membership status may vote. Associate members are not eligible to do so. For more information about the ballots, contact Board Liaison Joyce Anderson-Logan, x233. For questions about membership status contact Membership Services Manager Ann Sweeney, x241.
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Welcome New Members
ASA welcomes new and returning members that renewed their memberships in March: Angler's Buddy International, Waterford, California; Barrett's Enterprises, Kirkfield, Ontario, Canada; Big Bear Fishing Rods, Athens, Georgia; DriGrip, Inc., Melbourne, Florida; Fishing Science, Inc., Monument, Colorado; Native Sun Sports — GetReel...GetFish!, Pinellas Park, Florida; Newpex, Fremont, California; Orin Briant, Inc., Woodridge, Illinois; Pond King, Inc., Gainesville, Texas; Promax International Co., Ltd., Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China; Reactor Watch, Agoura Hills, California; Sea Striker International, Morehead City, North Carolina; Southwest Outdoor Sales, Stafford, Texas; Tackle Trade World, Daventry Northants, United Kingdom; The Charleston Angler, Charleston, South Carolina; The Morning Bite Co., Tigard, Oregon; Timbuktu Outdoors, Madison, Georgia; Tradewinds Tackle, Ocracoke, North Carolina; Twin Troller Boats, Inc., Benson, North Carolina; TW's Bait & Tackle, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina; Xtreme Glove, Montgomery, Alabama; and XXX-Stream Tackle, Inc., Port Rickey, Florida.
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Service Provider Spotlight
Scott Deaton and Lincoln Financial Advisors provide ASA members access to their own customized financial plans. Lincoln Financial Advisors delivers an objective, strategic and prudent financial plan designed to preserve, grow and transfer a company’s assets — a total solution to help meet a company’s financial goals. For more information contact Scott Deaton, 800.903.3265, x6159, or visit www.mosaicplanners.com.
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National Fishing and Boating Week 2008
National Fishing and Boating Week (NFBW) will be held June 1–8, 2008. Thousands of sites across the country will be hosting events to promote fishing and boating. On Tuesday, June 3, ASA will host a reception on Capitol Hill for Members of Congress and other guests in the Senate Caucus Room in the Russell Senate Office Building. For more information about ASA’s NFBW activities, contact ASA Policy Fellow Mary Beth Charles, x230.
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European Fishing Tackle Trade Exhibition 2008
The European Fishing Tackle Trade Association (EFTTA) is hosting its 2008 trade show, the European Fishing Tackle Trade Exhibition (EFTTEX), June 13–15, in Rome. For more information about EFTTEX 2008 or EFTTA, visit www.eftta.com.
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RBFF Elects New Board of Directors Members
The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF), announced the new and re-appointed members to its Board of Directors. Their terms began March 1, 2008. The Board re-elected the current slate of officers for another year. Serving new three-year terms are: Dave Chanda, New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife (re-appointed); Lydia Saldaña, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (re-appointed); Doug Beachem, DJB Ltd.; Jason Scruggs, Lowe Boats; Mike Hebert, Texas Marine; Ken Sarber, Dick's Sporting Goods (re-appointed); Susan Whitaker, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development; and Charles Holmes, Boy Scouts of America (at-large). Additionally, three members retired from the Board. They are Bob Menne, Premier Pontoons; Jeff Pontius, Zebco/ WC Bradley; and Larry Russo, Russo Marine. For more information, contact RBFF at 703.519.0013.
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Mark Your Calendars for the 2008 Sportfishing Summit
ASA invites its members and partners to the 2008 Sportfishing Summit, October 29–31, at the San Luis Resort on Galveston Island, Texas. ASA’s staff and Board of Directors met immediately after the 2007 Summit to jump-start the planning process for 2008. ASA plans to have a program in place and information distributed before ICAST 2008. For more information contact Mary Jane Williamson, x227.
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Morlock Receives Canadian Sportfishing Industry Award
Phil Morlock, Environmental Affairs director for Shimano in the U.S. and Canada, has received the 2008 Chairman’s Award from the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association for his work with Canada’s Parliamentary Outdoors Caucus. The Canadian caucus mirrors the U.S. Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus supported by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. Morlock is a member of ASA’s Government Affairs Committee and Chairman of the Freshwater Subcommittee.
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New Addition to ASA Staff
Ryan Colaianni has joined ASA’s staff as the new Communications Associate. Ryan is a graduate of the University of Kansas with a considerable writing background including that as a sportswriter for several of Kansas’ daily newspapers and 4 years as a sportswriter for the university’s daily newspaper. Ryan also has experience in public relations. Ryan can be reached at rcolaianni@asafishing.org, x 222. Please join us in welcoming Ryan to the ASA team.
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World Recreational Fishing Conference
The fifth World Recreational Fishing Contest (WRFC), the only conference series of its kind for the freshwater and saltwater recreational fisheries sectors, will be held November 10–13, 2008, in Dania Beach, Fla. The conference assembles representatives from nongovernmental organizations, management agencies, the tackle trade business, angling tourism and multidisciplinary sciences. It highlights trends, recent findings and interesting experiences across continents and within the angling community. This year’s theme is “The Angler in the Environment.” For more information visit WRFC’s Web site: www.worldrecfish.org.
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New Addition to ASA Family
In March, ASA Board of Directors member Jim Lebson, G. Loomis, Inc., and his wife Janet, the former Janet Tennyson and also former ASA Communications Director, welcomed son Jacob into their family. Congratulations to Jim and Janet!
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FishAmerica Foundation Updates
To help FishAmerica keep our nation’s fish and waters healthy, contact Executive Director Johanna Laderman, x245, or Grants Manager Erica George, x247. Donate to FishAmerica online!
FishAmerica Receives Nearly $2 Million in Requests for Habitat Restoration Grants
The FishAmerica Foundation received $1.98 million in requests for community-based habitat restoration for marine and anadromous fish (such as striped bass and salmon) through its partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Restoration Center. Fifty-one fishing clubs, conservation groups and government agencies applied for grants. These projects will remove dams, restore reef and wetland habitat and restore in-stream habitat from Alaska to Florida. The applicants have an additional $23 million in local funding and provide thousands of hours of volunteer time to complete the projects. FishAmerica and NOAA will award grants of up to $50,000 by July 2008. For more information about this partnership and previously funded projects, visit www.fishamerica.org/projects/noaa.html.
ASA Member Contributions
FishAmerica thanks the following ASA members for their donations to the foundation: AFTCO Bluewater; American Rod & Gun; Angler's Choice/Suncoast of America; BLS Consultants; Carrera-Werner Sales Company; Corporate Products, LLC (Corpro); Evolution Products, Inc.; Flex Products; FLW Outdoors; Frank and Fran's Fisherman's Friend, Inc.; James Monroe Associates, Inc.; Johnson Outdoors; Lamiglas, Inc.; Leisure Sales, Inc.; Ludwikoski and Associates, Inc.; NETGRA; Outdoor Pro Shop, Inc.; Quest Compelling Communications; Reel E Good Products, Inc.; Sportco Marketing, Inc.; Strike King Lure Company; Triangle Manufacturing Company, Inc.; and Zebco/WCBradley. As of October 1, 2007, 23 ASA members have donated more than $45,000 to FishAmerica through their ASA member dues, memorial donations, licensed-product sales, tournament partnerships and endowment donations.
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Future Fisherman Foundation Updates
For more information on Future Fisherman activities, contact Executive Director Anne Danielski, x254.
Foundation's Partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs Enters Second Year
The Future Fisherman Foundation and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Law Enforcement and Youth Partnerships for Crime Prevention program entered its second year by providing fishing and conservation education to program directors from 20 Boys & Girls Club program directors at the Bassmaster Classic in Greenville, S.C. The three-day training provides hands-on and on-the-water experiences and other information for Club program directors to develop an effective angling-education program. As part of the program, 40 participating youths will have the opportunity to fish with professional anglers at the Bassmaster Empire Chase in Buffalo, New York.
Future Fisherman Foundation Welcomes New Board Member
The Future Fisherman Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Tadd to the board of directors. Tadd is the boating industry’s Grow Boating Initiative director, leading the funding, governance, strategic planning and industry communications for the Initiative. Tadd recently was honored as one of Boating Industry Magazine’s top 40 leaders under 40. He received a marketing degree from the University of Florida and is currently finishing his MBA at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management in Chicago. We welcome Steve to the Board of Directors!
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Message from ASA Vice President and Government Affairs lead Gordon Robertson
Advocacy by national and regional environmental groups for marine protected areas (MPAs) that restrict or limit recreational fishing is on the rise. For the long-term benefit of fishery resources and angling opportunities, the sportfishing industry always has supported fishing regulations based on the best available science and conservation values — even when doing so means short-term limitations and temporary closures.
The sportfishing industry also has strongly endorsed habitat protection, and it has participated in habitat improvements in a variety of ways. The advent of MPAs, however, is a new paradigm in which recreational anglers are considered consumptive users and part of a problem — not part of a solution. This thinking is one of the more significant challenges to come to our industry in recent decades.
ASA’s efforts on MPAs during the past year have been considerable and have constituted the bulk of our Government Affairs effort. We expect the focus on MPAs to continue and our work on MPAs to continue to be a significant part of our daily activities. Clearly the potential loss of marine recreational fishing opportunities is a concern to our industry as well as to nearly 10 million saltwater recreational anglers.
In the case of California, maintaining recreational fishing opportunities and meeting the standards of the Marine Life Protection Act is possible; however, the process has established guidelines that encourage the establishment of marine reserves, areas that are closed to recreational fishing under California law. Advocates of marine reserves or closures vigorously pursue creating more of these areas — despite minimal additional conservation benefits and negative impacts on the economy and recreational fishing. The outcome of California’s effort to establish MPAs will influence other states when environmental groups aggressively advocate for systems to examine how and where to establish MPAs.
Elsewhere, the federal government is proposing a vast network of MPAs in the Gulf of Mexico. And in doing so, it is selecting the highest value habitat areas and, therefore, the best sportfishing areas in that region. ASA is monitoring and working with policy makers at the highest levels to maintain recreational fishing in all of these areas. ASA also understands that other proposals exist for the South Atlantic, off the coast of Florida, and in the northeast, off the coast of New England.
ASA will succeed in meeting its goals in California, the Gulf and other locations only if our members respond to requests for letters to decision makers and provide financial support. Trade associations exist to meet these types of challenges on behalf of their members. But, as in any industry-wide challenge, efforts succeed when the support and involvement of both staff and members converge. And lest you believe this problem only pertains to saltwater areas, we call your attention to a new term now being used in peer-reviewed and popular literature — “freshwater protected areas.”
When ASA asks for your assistance with MPAs, please help. Visit www.KeepAmericaFishing.org and learn more about the MPAs and the access challenges facing recreational angling.
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