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Making Waves Spring 2015
CAN THE STATES SAVE RECREATIONAL RED SNAPPER FISHING? Read Tom Hilton’s Article on Page 21 DONOFRIO REPORTS ON MSA REFORM
MEET RFA BOARD & CHAPTER CHAIRMEN CAMPAIGN TO MAKE STRIPED BASS THE NATIONAL FISH WIN A CONTENDER FISHING BOAT RFA NEWS BRIEFS
REGIONAL CHAPTER UPDATES AND MORE INSIDE
MAGNUSON REAUTHORIZATION HEATS UP! More inside... Introducing the
Striped Bass National Heritage Act Spring 2015 Issue
Spring 2014/Volume 3, Issue 1
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Making Waves Spring 2015
Spring 2015 Volume 4, Issue 1
FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK By Gary Caputi Welcome to another issue of Making Waves, the official digital INSIDE THIS ISSUE newsletter of the RFA. There’s lots of ground to cover and reau- Executive Director’s 5 thorization of the Magnuson Stevens Act is taking center stage. Full Court Press on MSA Reform After years of being the lone voice in the wilderness for reform, 6 American Striped Bass the RFA has been joined by industry heavyweights at the Na- National Heritage Act tional Marine Manufacturers Association and the American RFA Issues & News 8 Sportfishing Association. Add the Center for Coastal Conserva- Important happenings in Fish Management tion and the CCA to the mix and we finally have the power11 Tournament house lobbying effort needed to get some traction on the issue. RFA Calendar Right now HR 1335, the House bill introduced by Congressman Breaking Legislative 12 Don Young, is our best bet. It includes pretty much everything News: MSA Reform we’ve be asking for, but it is running into strong opposition Heating Up! 14 from the environmental lobbyists and our dear fearless leader, RFA Contender/ Yamaha Boat Raffle President Obama, has threatened a veto if the bill is sent to his 19 Breaking Regulatory desk. Companion legislation is being introduced in the Senate News: A Victory for Recreational Fishing by Marco Rubio, Senator from Florida. Don’t miss the feature on making Striped Bass our National Fish. Legislation has been introduced and the article explains the rational behind the effort inspired by RFA Executive Director Jim Donofrio. Meet the new members of the RFA Board of Directors, our new SE Regional Director, T.J. Cheek and the folks from our new Connecticut Chapter, all in this issue.
Hostile Takeover of the 21 Red Snapper Fishery! The Who’s Who of the 25 RFA Bits & Pieces: California 29 Fishing Faces Participation Death Spiral State Chapter News RFA Boots on the Ground
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Executive Director’s Report
FULL COURT PRESS ON MSA REFORM By Jim Donofrio
M
y message to RFA accomplished without ever immembers and saltwa- posing a recreational closed ly, they have the support of ter fishermen across season. Now that we’re trip- President Obama. the nation is to please support ping over them on ever wreck I ask all of you to stick with the the effort currently underway and piece of hard bottom, bad leaders of this collation and to achieve pragmatic reform of law combined with even don’t fall for the false conservathe Magnuson Steven Act worse catch data keeps black tion rhetoric and misinfor(MSA). The RFA is working sea bass off limits to anglers for mation these extreme environclosely with the National Ma- half the year! It’s not good sci- mental groups are peddling. rine Manufacturers Association ence. It’s not good manageIt’s the same old mesand a broad range of sage that the sky is groups to fix the Right now we have lots of fish, many falling, but as before problems endemic to stocks are fully rebuilt or well on their it’s a false message. MSA since the last way, but we’re saddled with regula- Call your representareauthorization in tives in Congress and 2007. Our goal is to tions that effectively make fishing for ask them to support continue to rebuild those species off limits... pragmatic Magnuson fish stocks, but to also reform now. There is allow reasonable access to ment. It’s not conservation. It’s positive legislation in the them rather than the untena- insanity masquerading as fish- House of Representatives as I ble situation we find ourselves ery management. write this column. H.R. 1335 in today after 10 years of Fed- Our coalition, the strongest (Strengthening Fishing Comeral mismanagement of recrea- ever fielded by recreational munities and Increasing Flexitional fishing. fishermen and the industry, is bility in Fisheries Management Right now we have lots of fish, many stocks are fully rebuilt or well on their way, but we’re saddled with regulations that effectively make fishing for those species off limits for most of the year. The black seas bass in the Mid-Atlantic is a prime example. The stocks are healthy and rebuilding was
fighting hard to make MSA reform a reality, but we are not without opposition. The Marine Fish Conservation Network, their members and the same environmental groups that forced the failed policies of the last reauthorization on us are totally against our coalition’s efforts and, unfortunate-
Act) and pending companion legislation in the Senate. You can learn more about them by reading “Breaking Legislative News” in this issue. Thank you for your support in the past and for helping us move forward on this critical issue.
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Making Waves Spring 2015
NEW BILL PROCLAIMS STRIPED BASS OUR NATIONAL FISH Congressman Tom MacArthur Introduces H.R. 2040 The Striped Bass American Heritage Act
C
ongressman Tom MacArthur (R-NJ) has introduced the Striped Bass American Heritage Act, which would designate this iconic species as the United States' "National Fish." Just as the majestic bald eagle is the avian symbol of our nation for its strength, power, and domi-
nance, the striped bass is a uniquely American fish that has been intertwined with the people, history and heritage of the United States for centuries. It played a pivotal role in providing the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony sustenance as early as 1620, and by 1639 conservation laws were enacted to prevent the misuse and overharvesting of this
valued resource. Over the years, however, stripers suffered from pollution in its key spawning areas that ultimately brought about the Clean Water Act. Commercial and recreational overfishing compounded the problems leading to the near collapse of the stocks. This was addressed with
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Making Waves Spring 2015
the introduction of the historic Striped Bass Conservation Act of 1984. This legislation forced the states along the East Coast to enact measures, including fishing moratoriums which led to the stocks rebuilding to levels of abundance not seen in many decades.
Some of America's most treasured natural resources are its waterways and fisheries resources, and the American striped bass is worthy of this special designation as its recovery embodies the American resilience and the conservation ethic of America's boaters and fishermen.
Mexico. Live stripers were shipped to the Pacific by train in 1897, and established themselves in California where they continue to be found today. In addition, striped bass have been stocked in rivers, lakes and reservoirs in 20 states where they are prized as game fish.
Now, Congressman MacArthur, who sits on the House Natural Resources Committee, and the Recreational Fishing Alliance believe the time has come to award the striper the same recognition held by the bald eagle.
The Yamaha Marine Group also announced its support of the bill. "Yamaha Marine is proud to support the American Striped Bass Heritage Act,” said Martin Peters, Government Relations and Communi-
"To be clear, however, this proposed legislation in no way designates the striped bass as a gamefish-only," explained Capt. Barry Gibson, RFA's New England Director. "We'll continue to expect managers to allocate the striper resource to both the recreational and commercial sectors appropriately. What the bill will do, we hope, is to elevate the status of striped bass when it comes to protecting these tremendously valuable fish from pollution, protecting their spawning habitat, and eliminating wasteful and illegal harvesting practices."
"New Jersey has always appreciated the importance of the striped bass, as it is our distinguished state saltwater fish," MacArthur said. "I am honored to introduce this bill to finally recognize the striped bass as our national fish and enshrine its place in our nation's cultural heritage."
Congressman MacArthur's "The importance of the striped seat on the Committee places bass in American history is well him in a key position to shepestablished and deserving of herd this legislation through the highest recognition," said the process. The initiative, if Jim Donofrio, RFA's Executive successful, will formally desigDirector. "That's why we innate the striped bass as an tend to work closely with Conofficial symbol of the United gressman MacArthur and othStates. It will provide a species Thom Dammrich, President of the National Marine er members of the House and that fishermen and naturalists Manufacturers Association says, "NMMA is proud to Senate to ensure that this trurecognize as "all-American" support the American Striped Bass Heritage Act.” ly exceptional species bewith a status that could encomes formally designated as sure greater respect and protection cations Manager, Yamaha Marine America's National Fish." than is currently available under Group. “Striped bass have played a limited fishery management plans major role in the history of AmeriNoted underwater photographer designed to merely maintain the Mike Laptew teamed with the Reccan fishing and boating. The stocks. ‘National Fish’ designation for the reational Fishing Alliance to create a video in support of the Striped Thom Dammrich, President of the striped bass reinforces a commitBass American Heritage Act. To ment to the conservation of our National Marine Manufacturers Asview the video and learn more sociation says, "NMMA is proud to national waterways and the speabout how you can support this support the American Striped Bass cies that dwell within them.” effort click here. The RFA will Heritage Act. Fishing and boating What makes the striped bass spesoon be offering t-shirts and postare inextricably linked, a fact that cial? It's an anadromous species ers with original "Striped Bass Naunifies boaters and anglers and fo- that lives primarily in salt water but tional Fish" artwork by renowned cuses attention on our collective spawns in fresh water, and is found artist Savio Mizzi. contributions to conservation.” from Maine to Florida and as far west as Louisiana in the Gulf of
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RFA Issues & News
Each news item includes corresponding hyperlinks. For more information, simply click on the link to read the release in its entirety. BY John DePersenaire RFA Elects New Members to Board of Directors
Les Stewart, Jr., is originally from Philadelphia, and spent summers in Brigantine, NJ, where he developed a love of fishing. He moved to South Florida in 2006 to work for ConBob Flocken lives in St. tender Boats, where he Augustine, FL, and is currently serves as Direcemployed at Hi-Liner tor of Sales & Marketing. Fishing Gear and Tackle Les has had the opporin Green Cove Springs, tunity to fish all over the an importer and distribcountry, competitively uter of Diamond and and for pleasure, and MoMoi monofilament recognizes the importance of our nation's fisheries and the and braided fishing line, terminal tackle, and importance of protecting them for future generations. equipment for catching swordfish and tunas. He spent 13 years as a part- Legislation Advances in the House of Representaner and Operations Ditives to Benefit Saltwater Recreational Fishing rector of the Southern Kingfish Association (SKA) as well as Leaders in the recreational fishing and boating community, the American Striper Association and the Yamaha Profesincluding the RFA, praised the U.S. House of Representatives sional Kingfish Tour, producing 70 tournaments per year Committee on Natural Resources for approval of a bill sponfrom Maine to Texas. Bob has been active with RFA since sored by Rep. Don Yong (R-Alaska) by the U.S. House of Rep2009 and has helped organize rallies and worked on other resentatives Committee on Natural Resources on April 30th. important RFA projects. The bill, H.R. 1335, to reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), addressJeff Gabriel is Legisla- es the top priorities of the recreational fishing community. tive Counsel to the National Marine Manufac- On May 19, the House Rules Committee held another hearturers Association ing on H.R. 1335 Chairman Bishop asked for a structured (NMMA), the nation's rule for a Managers Amendment to H.R. 1335 to include leading recreational ma- provisions for state management of red snapper in the Gulf, rine industry trade asso- alternative management measures in the recreational fisherciation. He has degrees ies, and improved recreational data collection. During that in Political Science and hearing, the administration issued a Statement of AdminisInternational Affairs, re- trative Policy (SAP) threatening a veto if H.R. 1335 was put ceived a Juris Doctor on President Obama’s desk. from George Mason University, spent two dec"The broad coalition of leading recreational fishing and ades as a Government boating organizations that has come together to support Relations professional, and is a member of the District of Co- our community's priorities should be pleased with this bill," lumbia Bar. A long-time avid hunter and fishermen, Jeff lives said Jim Donofrio, executive director of the Recreational in Virginia with his wife Naomi and two young children, Fishing Alliance. "RFA is proud to have participated as part Jeffrey III and Liesel, who he says are "a new generation of of this coalition." hunting and angling enthusiasts." At its latest Board of Director’s meeting, the Recreational Fishing Alliance elected three new members to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. All are leaders in the marine and sport fishing industries, and will be valuable additions to the all-star Board, which now numbers 17.
Making Waves Spring 2015
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A Senate bill sponsored by Marco Rubio (R-Florida) is ex- public hearings and oppose the Sanctuary's attempted grab pected to be introduced the week of May 18-22. of publicly-owned ocean bottom. Mike and his guys did the groundwork, and it paid off."
Legislation Introduced to Eliminate the Corn Etha- The new Habitat Amendment will be re-drafted to reflect the Council's decisions at the meeting, and will go out to nol Mandate in Motor Fuel Earlier this year, Senators Dianne Feinstein and Pat Toomey introduced the Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act of 2015. This bill, S.577, if passed and signed into law, would eliminate the corn ethanol mandate portion of the Renewable Fuel Standard, which while it falls short of capping the amount of ethanol required in motor fuels, is a step in the right direction.
public hearing in the coming months. Final implementation will likely not be until 2016.
"I'm very proud of what our New England officers have accomplished," said Jim Donofrio, RFA's Executive Director. "It's all about preserving access to our publicly-held marine resources. Unless there's an iron-clad, scientifically supportable justification for a closure to recreational fishing, we're "The RFA supports this bill," said Jim Donofrio, executive going to oppose it. That's what our guys did in this case, director of the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA), "because and by a lot of hard work they were able to prevail." passage could lead to the elimination of the threat of E15 fuels being mandated for use in recreational boats and a RFA Hires South Atlantic Director rethinking of the entire Renewable Fuel Standard."
RFA announced in March that Capt. T.J. Cheek of
The RFA joined the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) in applauding the move by Senators Toomey and Feinstein as they work together, across the aisle, to address the critical flaws of the Renewable Fuel Standard. The RFS is a broken law which sets unrealistic fuel mandates and requires a long term fix from Congress. The recreational boating community as a whole knows first-hand the problems associated with the RFS. This damage hurts manufacturers during a time of important economic recovery and places the burden of unnecessary risks upon the shoulders of American consumers.
New England Council Votes Against Recreational Closure on Stellwagon Bank In April, the New England Fishery Management Council (Council) voted by a 13 to 4 margin to drop from consideration a proposed 55-square-mile zone off the Massachusetts coast that would have banned recreational groundfishing. "This is a major victory for both private anglers and the forhire fleet," said Capt. Mike Pierdinock, RFA's Massachusetts Chapter Chairman. "This is an important area for party and charter boat operators in particular, as it normally holds good numbers of pollock and other bottom species. The fact that the recreational sector cannot possess any cod this year now makes it even more valuable to us. This was not the time to implement any new restrictions on sport fishing." "Mike fought this battle tirelessly, dating back to the original SERA I/II in 2010," commented Barry Gibson, RFA's New England Director. "Several other key opponents worked alongside him, including Capt. Charlie Wade, President of the Stellwagen Bank Charter Boat Association. This core group was remarkably successful in getting hundreds of anglers and charter operators, as well as a number of bipartisan federal and state elected officials, to turn out at the
Brunswick, Georgia will be joining their team of dedicated professionals in the capacity of Southeast Regional Director. A veteran of the Navy, T.J. served as an Operations Specialist. During his enlistment he was fortunate enough to be assigned to Naval Station Mayport located near the mouth of the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, FL. While there he laid out his plan to become a full time guide after finishing his tour of duty. He credits much of what he has learned to his father, Capt. Tim Cheek, who groomed him from an early age to be one of the top guides. "The RFA is not a social organization," T.J. said. "It's a successful political action organization on a mission to protect saltwater recreational fishing for today and future generations. That's what attracted me to it and the reason I am looking forward to helping promote Capt. T.J. will be working on the work it does for saltwater chapter development with a anglers everywhere." new North Florida Chapter Capt. Cheek can be contactalready in the works. ed at SEDirector@joinrfa.org.
Two New State Chapters Hold Their Inaugural Meetings in 2015 On February 19 the Connecticut chapter of the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA-CT) held its inaugural meeting. The meeting hosted by RFA-CT Chairman Jack Conway touched on issues important to CT anglers and how the members of the RFA-CT chapter can get engaged and support the mission of the RFA. Speakers included Jim Donofrio and David Simpson, Director of CTDEEP Marine Fisheries Division, who discussed the 2015 marine fisheries options with those in
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attendance and gathered input from the audience specific to pending regulatory options for striped bass and black sea bass. RFA-CT is also coordinating a tautog tagging program and organizing a 9-day summer flounder tournament commencing June 27th to benefit the RFA and the Connecticut Chapter. Check in with Capt. Jack Conway to learn more about the tagging program and the upcoming tournament. On April 27, the Recreational Fishing Alliance North Carolina Chapter (RFA-NC) held its first Carolina Beach. The meeting will be run by Capt. Robert Schoonmaker, a Carolina Beach based charter boat owner/operator and RFANC Chairman. The meeting agenda included a status update on the chapter, an overview of fishery management issues and an outline on a course of action for North Carolina anglers to gain a stronger voice on matters in the state impacting their sport and livelihood. Speakers included Captain Dave Timpey who gave a brief history on proposed management measures including Amendment 1 to the Southern Flounder FMP and the most recent assessment, Gary Caputi of the Recreational Fishing Alliance who provided an overview of the organization
Making Waves Spring 2015
and how the RFA can help give North Carolina recreational fishermen a voice in politics at the local, state and federal levels, and Chris Walls a lobbyist with The Policy Group, an Ashville based firm, who discussed the implementation of the for-hire logbook regulation and pending action under Amendment 1 to the South Southern FMP. RFA-NC is looking forward to getting more involved in the fishery management and politic process in North Carolina and giving recreational and for-hire anglers a voice in the state. “We are very proud and impressed by the motivation and organization of the newly formed CT and NC chapters of the RFA,” expressed Jim Donofrio. “Their formation was driven by the need to protect the rights of recreational
Watch These Pages and our website for more Breaking RFA News!
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RFA Tournament Calendar Listing of upcoming fishing tournaments that benefit the Recreational Fishing Alliance
anglers at the state level and we are very encour-
aged to amount of time.�
crews registering online on or before Friday, May 15 th, On Saturday, June 6th, the third annual RFA Bass River with a Captains Package worth over $400. For more inforSummer Flounder Tournament will be held out of Viking mation, please visit www.hyannistunafest.com Yachting Center on the Bass River in New Gretna. This third annual event is once again co-sponsored by Breeze's 29th Annual Monster Shark Tournament is schedBar & Grill on the Bass River, with tournament proceeds to uled for July 16- 18, 2015 for the 29th Annual Monster benefit the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA). Shark Tournament to be held at Casey's Marina in Newport, RI. The event carries on the legacy of Steven E. James "Bass River Classic" cash prizes totaling $2,000 will be with a portion of proceeds to benefit the Recreational awarded to the top three boats in the contest ($1,000, Fishing Alliance and college students pursuing careers in $750 and $250) based on combined weight of the heavi- the marine sciences. Register for the tournament now by est two summer flounder - or fluke if you prefer! Entry is going to http://www.bbgfc.com/BBGFC_2015.html. just $75 per boat through May 23th - $90 after - and includes a t-shirt for the captain and four wristbands for cap- 2nd Annual 2015 Oak Bluffs Bluewater Classic is tain and crew for the Friday and Saturday night festivities slated for July 22 - 25 on Martha's Vineyard on the Oak at Breeze's Bar & Grill (cash bar). Bluffs waterfront. This is a blue-water, all species event that includes marlin, tuna, swordfish, mahi-mahi, albacore, Pick up entry blanks today at Scott's Bait & Tackle in Mystic spearfish and wahoo, with proceeds benefiting the MassaIsland, Viking Yachting Center in New Gretna, Allen's Dock chusetts General Hospital Colon Cancer Research Fund. in New Gretna, Absecon Bay Sportsman Center in Ab- Boats must register online before securing dockage, which secon, Chestnut Neck Boat Yard in Port Republic or the is first come first serve, and 30 to 50 boats are expected. Boat Shop in Manahawkin. For additional details, call 888- For more information visit www.obbclassic.com 564-6732 or visit www.bassriverclassic.com.
Bass River Classic Flounder Tournament
53rd Buccaneer Cup Announces Dates for 2016 5th Annual Hyannis Tunafest Offshore Tuna Buccaneer Cup Sailfish Release Tournament is schedTournament is slated for June 18 - 20 in Hyannis Massa- The uled for January 21—23, 2016. It is one of the oldest billfish chusetts. This year, Tunafest will be working in conjunction with the Recreational Fishing Alliance to promote fisheries awareness, conservation, and the importance of angler access to our marine resources.
The popular event averages around 65 boats, offers substantial cash and tackle prizes, live entertainment, quality food, and over 40 sponsors including Contender Boats, Simrad, and Costa Sunglasses, many of whom will be displaying their products. Tunafest also raises and contributes funding for the One Mission Foundation which helps pediatric cancer patients and their families. Tunafest is offering an early registration incentive to all
tournaments in the country held each January from Lake Worth and Jupiter Inlets with headquarters at the Sailfish Marina on Singer Island in the Palm Beach area. The totally non-profit event has been benefiting the RFA since 2008 and will continue that tradition into the future. The Captains Meeting will be held at the Buccaneer Restaurant and Marina and the gala awards banquet will be hosted by the Sailfish Club of Florida on Palm Beach Island. Plan to be there this January. For ore information and to register early go to www.buccaneercup.com and be sure to follow it on Facebook.
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BREAKING LEGISLATIVE NEWS Magnuson Stevens Act Reform Efforts Heat Up!
T
he Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) is the nation’s primary law that dictates how marine fisheries are managed in federal waters. The original iteration of MSA was penned into law in 1976 with the primary objective of domesticating the marine resources inside our exclusive economic zone (EEZ) which extends 200miles (in most areas) ocean-ward from the mean low water line along the coast.
eral judges. The next reauthorization took place in 2006 with President Bush signing the bill into law in January 2007. This reauthorization of MSA brought about a new form of advocacy by the environmental groups in the form of massive and expensive media campaigns driven primarily by scare tactics, not facts. During this reauthorization, the recreational fishing community was fractured with some groups supporting a more environmental agenda and others advocating for more The original Act was instrumental access and opportunities for recrearemoving foreign fishing fleets that tional anglers, the results of which had set up shop in US coastal waters brought about some dubious manafter depleting their own waters on dates that when imposed upon the an industrial scale. Along with govrecreational sector, saw access to ernment loan programs the US comfisheries, even healthy, rebuilding mercial fishery expanded and befisheries, plummet. The imposition of came modernized. Fast forward to firm annual catch limits and account1996 and MSA was up for reauthoriability measures on the recreational zation. After 20 years of increases in sector coupled with a federal agency domestic commercial fishing pres(NOAA Fisheries) that was dragging sure, it was clear that a structured, its feet on mandated recreational science-base management process data collection improvements forced was necessary. Spawned from the the closing or severe restriction of 1997 MSA reauthorization was the many important recreational fisherdirectives for rebuilding fish stocks ies, i.e., black sea bass, red snapper, and end overfishing. Dubbed the and others. RFA foresaw this loomSustainable Fisheries Act, the fishing ing crisis and proclaimed that the industry got its first taste of mandatrecreational fishing community could ed conservation and reduced quonot wait other 10-years to reauthortas. The time period following the ize MSA, legislative action was needpassage of the Sustainable Fisheries ed immediately. Act saw the environmental industry ramp up its efforts to interject its ide- Less than 2 months following MSA ology on fisheries management and being signed into law, the RFA was many fishery plans became the focus praising Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) for of lawsuits with quotas being set introducing a bill to amend MSA and through summary judgment by fed- provide limited flexibility for allocat-
ing rebuilding stocks. Just as the summer flounder fishery was teetering on a total closure due to the looming end of the arbitrary rebuilding time frame, it was clear that rebuilding flexibility was needed or would be helpful for all fisheries under federal jurisdiction. The 2006 reauthorization provided funding for MSA through FY2013. With Congress at a dead lock, a reauthorization was not completed in 2013 to extend funding for the act. Instead, a line item in the continuing resolution was included to fund MSA programs until a proper reauthorization could be passed. The 113th Congress brought many MSA and fisheries related bills, but no bill was released from either house. During this time, some of the most popular recreational fisheries were experiencing unprecedented restrictions, namely red snapper and black sea bass, at a time of relatively high abundance. In the final 6- months of the 113th Congress, it was clear that neither the House nor Senate had any intention of passing a MSA reauthorization bill. At that time, the RFA entered into a working group coalition comprised of CCC, CCA, ASA, NMMA, and Yamaha. The purpose of the group was to develop MSA reauthorization legislative priorities for the 114th Congress and to present those priorities as a unified voice of the recreational fishing industry. Work began in July in drafting
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the priorities; some were outlined in the Morris Deal Commission factfinding paper, other by various National Academy of Sciences reports on recreational data collection and rebuilding time frames. A draft bill was created by the working group in early February of 2015 and it touched on areas of MSA that need improvement; rebuilding flexibility, alternative management measures for recreational fisheries, studies by the NRC on allocations, improvements to recreational data collection, prohibitions on future catch shares, a shift in red snapper management to the States, among other items. The 2014 elections brought a change in leadership in the Senate and some significant changes to committee assignments and jurisdiction in the House. Just prior to the working group releasing its legislative priorities for MSA, Rep. Don Young (R-AK) introduced H.R. 1335 to reauthorized MSA on March 4, 2015. H.R. 1335 was basically identical to a bill (H.R. 4742) sponsored by Rep. Doc Hastings (R-OR) in the 113th Congress when he chaired the House Natural Resources Committee which held jurisdiction over marine fisheries. H.R. 1135 addresses many of the priorities outlined by the RFA and the MSA working group but not all of them. Working group members immediately began consulting with members of the House Natural Resources Committee to ensure that the majority of the group’s priorities were added on to H.R. 1335 as amendments. Some of those amendments included a process to develop management plans for forage fish, developing criteria in conjunction with the NRC for allocations, a prohibition on future catch shares, and moving forward with State management of red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. A mark up hearing was held on April 30, 2015 where H.R. 1335 was
heard and released by the House Natural Resources Committee. Of the amendments offered, the one to look at allocations was included while an amendment by Rep. Graves (R-LA) to implement the 5state plan for Gulf red snapper was not.
Committee who felt that passing H.R. 1335 would be a waste of time by saying that the House of Representatives has a duty and constitutional obligation to its constituents and fishermen to pass a bill and put it on the President’s desk regardless of the veto threat outlined in the SAP. He explained that a SAP should Overall, H.R. 1335 was voted out of not stop anyone from working to committee by a mostly party vote of pass a MSA reauthorization bill. 21-14. On May 19, 2015, H.R. 1335, as reported by the House Natural H.R. 1335 is likely to be heard on the Resources Committee, held a hearfull House floor in the first week of ing on the bill to consider additional June. amendments and to pass a resoluOn the Senate side, Senator Marco tion to move the bill onto a vote on Rubio (R-FL) introduced S. 1403 on the full House floor. During that May 20, 2015 which was referred to hearing two amendments were ofthe Senate Committee on Science, fered and considered to be in orCommerce and Transportation. At a der. Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA) ofSenate hearing on May 20th on the fered an amendment to utilize altertopic of recreational data collection, native management measures in the Senator Rubio cited the importance recreational sector, a move supportof passing S. 1403 and the need of ed by the MSA working group and improving recreational data collecthe RFA. Rep. Graves offered an tion. amendment to implement the 5The MSA working group, along with state plan for Gulf of Mexico red snapper which would put much of the RFA, have been carefully watchthe stock’s management in the ing and responding to develophands of the states. Both of these ments in both the House and Senamendments were considered in ate. There is a very good possibility order and accepted. Rep. Walter that a bill could be passed out of the Jones (R-NC) put forward an House and the Senate and put on the President’s desk. RFA will be amendment to remove consideration of allocation revisions in the providing its membership updates south Atlantic to protect his comon the legislation and how they can mercial fishing interests. This get involved to help pass a MSA amendment was considered out of reauthorization bill that gives recreational anglers some equity in the order and not included. management of the national marine At the Rules Committee hearing the resources. administration submitted a Statement of Administrative Policy (SAP) on H.R.1335. In short, the SAP outlines the position of the administration on the bill and what action the president would take if it was presented for his signature. The SAP outlined opposition to H.R. 1335 and indicated that the bill would be vetoed by the president if presented in its present form. Rep. Don Young responded to the SAP and some democratic members of the Rules
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Making Waves Spring 2015
he Recreational Fishing Alliance is pleased to announce an exciting fundraiser that gives you the opportunity to support the RFA with a modest donation and get a shot at winning an awesome prize—a Contender 22 Sport center console fishing boat powered by a Yamaha F300 outboard riding on an AmeraTrail custom aluminum trailer valued at over $85,000!
center console, has a classy ice-blue hull and a custom embroidered cushion package, a deluxe T -top with rod holders, a leaning post and the famous Contender ride. It’s powered by a Yamaha F300 four-stroke outboard, Yamaha’s top-of-theline V6. The combination of hull and engine is blazing fast and the ideal package to provide a quick ride to the fish.
“We’re thrilled to be able to offer tickets to win this beautiful Contender/Yamaha fishing package as part of our fundraising efforts for 2015,” said Jim Donofrio, RFA Executive Director. “We would like to thank our friends at Contender Boats, Yamaha Outboards and AmeraTrail Trailers for helping make this raffle possible.
The winner will be towing his boat in style on the best trailer in the industry, a custom AmeraTrail dual-axle aluminum drive on trailer with mag wheels. All AmeraTrail aluminum boat trailer feature heavy aluminum I-beam construction, aluminum cross braces, aluminum bunk brackets, galvanized torsion axles and hubs with super-lube removable spindles.
The prize boat, Contender’s brand new 22’ Sport
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You can buy tickets NOW through a special page on the RFA website (www.JOINRFA.org/ win-a-22-contender. Single tickets cost $25 or you can increase your chances to win and your donation to the RFA by purchasing tickets in blocks of five for $100 per five pack. The site accepts credit cards and PayPal payments. Ticket stubs will be mailed when you purchase online. You could be heading to the fishing grounds in a new Contender 22 Sport If you would like to obtain bulk tickets for for a modest donation to the Recreational Fishing Alliance. club meetings or events please contact the RFA office at 888-JOIN They simply tear off the stub and send the reRFA for details. We will send you a package that maining portion of the ticket to the RFA, P.O. Box you can distribute to members who wish to enter. 3080, New Gretna, NJ 08824 along with a check for the tickets. Remember, the RFA is a political action organization with a 19 year track record of working to protect your right to fish. Its mission is to safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers, protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs and ensure the long-term sustainability of U.S. saltwater fisheries. Now more than ever the RFA needs the support of a growing grassroots army of anglers and this raffle is a fun way to make a donation and take a chance at winning an amazing prize! All proceeds from the raffle benefit the Recreational Fishing Alliance (Registration Identification: 22-5-39533 RL# 3957-2015). The drawing will be held on February 20, 2016 at the New Jersey Boat Expo in Edison, NJ. You must be 21 years of age to win and all applicable taxes are the responsibility of the winner. If gambling is a problem for you or someone in your family dial 1-800-GAMBLER. To learn more about the RFA and to join go to www.joinrfa.org.
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BREAKING REGULATORY NEWS Proposed 55 Square Mile No Fishing Zone on Stellwagen Bank Dropped After Massive Recreational Backlash!
O
n April 23rd in Mystic, CT, the New England Fishery M a na g em e nt C o un c i l voted by a 13 to 4 margin to drop from consideration a proposed 55-square-mile zone off the Massachusetts coast that would have banned recreational groundfishing. The contested zone, known as the “Reference Area,” would have been part of a larger, 330square-mile Designated Habitat Research Area (DHRA) contained in the new Omnibus Habitat Amendment 2, a massive plan designed to protect fish and bottom habit off the Northeast coast that the Council has been working on for over five years. The DHRA would prohibit commercial groundfish fishing, but allow recreational fishing. The Reference Area, created and strongly supported by the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary ostensibly for their own research needs, would have banned all fishing, including recreational angling, within its borders. “This is a major victory for both private anglers and the for-hire fleet,” said Capt. Mike Pierdino c k, RF A’s M as s ach us et t s Chapter Chairman. “This is an important area for party and
charter boat operators in particular, as it normally holds good numbers of pollock and other bottom species. The fact that the recreational sector cannot possess any cod this year now makes it even more valuable to us. This was not the time to implement any new restrictions on sport fishing.” “Mike fought this battle tirelessly for over two years,” dating back to the original SERA I/II in 2010, commented Barry Gibson, RFA’s New England Director. “Several other key opponents worked alongside him, including Capt. Charlie Wade President of the Stellwagen Bank Charter Boat Association. This core group was remarkably successful in getting hundreds of anglers and charter operators, as well as a number of bipartisan federal and state elected officials, to turn out at the public hearings and oppose the Sanctuary’s attempted grab of publicly-owned ocean bottom. Mike and his guys did the groundwork, and it paid off.” Several Council members stated at the meeting that they had never received so much correspondence and testimony on a single issue of fishery management. “This was important to us, so we knew we had to pull
out all the stops,” said Capt. Pierdinock. “The press releases from RFA urging folks to attend the hearings and send emails were a huge success in helping generate the turnout. The recreational sector can really mobilize if there’s a good incentive and a strong push. I want to thank those Council members who went to bat for us, particularly those representing the commercial fishing sector. It shows we really can work together when we need to,” Pierdinock added. The new Habitat Amendment will be re-drafted to reflect the Council’s decisions at the meeting, and will go out to public hearing in the coming months. Final implementation will likely not be until 2016. “I’m very proud of what our New England officers have accomplished,” said Jim Donofrio, RFA’s Executive Director. “It’s all about preserving access to our publicly-held marine resources. Unless there’s an ironclad, scientifically supportable justification for a closure to recreational fishing, we’re going to oppose it. That’s what our guys did in this case, and by a lot of hard work they were able to prevail.”
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HMY
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Hostile Takeover of the Red Snapper Fishery Can State Control Save this Public Trust Resource from Commoditization? By Thomas J. Hilton
I
was watching a video of a rancher in one of the western states explain how the federal government has teamed up with various environmental organizations in order to mount attacks on the fundamental rights guaranteed to us as American citizens. To view click here.
environmental group, usually Nature Conservancy or Trust for Public Lands and they "save" the rancher from certain ruin by buying him out for pennies on the dollar. Then they spin off the water rights to whoever wants them and spin off to the federal government whatever they want.
At about 10:30 into the video, the ranch owner (now deceased) explains how the federal government tried to accomplish a hostile takeover of the ranchers' water rights. He said
"...what we have found usually how these water grabs work in the west is you have the federal agencies responding to pressure which may be nothing more than propaganda, media blitz, litigation, or legislation that have been able to get passed. The agencies respond to that and begin REGULATING the rancher in ways to where it becomes impossible for him to make a living. The rancher gets backed into a corner economically and is unable to sell since nobody wants to buy into the problems he is facing. Then here comes another
Basically, this rancher and others have had their ranches stolen from them through the combined efforts of the environmental and land preservation groups and the Federal agencies who seem to simply follow the dictates of the environmental groups. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the exact same strategy being used here in the Gulf of Mexi-
co to usurp our fisheries. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (GMFMC) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) have been coopted by environmental groups, in this case lead by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), and are consistently responding to the propaganda, media blitzes, litigation they undertake and legislation that they were successful in getting passed at the Federal level, namely the 2007 reauthorization of the Magnuson Stevens Fisheries Conservation Act.
site,
stated
In 2006, EDF’s Oceans team, according to posts proudly included on their own webthat they were
“instrumental in crafting and passing the changes made to the Magnuson Stevens Act, which introduced a market approach to protecting our oceans; Catch Shares in the commercial red snapper fishery.” Note their use of the term “market approach.” A market approach is when you buy,
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sell and trade assets such as stocks in the stock market or futures in the commodities market. How could this possibly relate to fisheries management and Public Trust Resources like red snapper, you ask? Catch Shares is a concept that requires the conversion of a Public Trust Resources into privately held commodities. Commodities that can be traded, leased or sold. Free swimming red snapper stocks under EDF’s market approach called Catch Shares have been turned into the equivalent to stocks on Wall Street. When you can get in on the ground floor of this conversion of a Public Trust Resource into privately held commodities, you can take advantage of a huge transfer of wealth from the many (ALL American citizens) to the few, the new owners of the resource, which consists off well-connected individuals and corporations who are tipped off by the pressure groups forcing the usurpation of the resource. The following was gleaned from an EDF Progress Report a few years
Making Waves Spring 2015 back. “The work we are doing with a
core group of for-hire recreational fishermen, whose movement we helped develop and continue to support, called SOS (Save Our Sector), will be important to continue to move catch shares forward in the for -hire sector of the recreational red snapper fishery. SOS now has over 200 supporters across all five Gulf States. This membership, which includes boat owners and crew members, reflects a significant portion of the 1,100 licenses in the for-hire fleet. The group’s work was a key factor in the Gulf Council’s October decision to consider separation of the recreational sector into two sectors; for-hire and private anglers in the generic Annual Catch Limit/ Accountability Measures amendment, which will be subject to public hearings in either December or January and likely voted on next summer. The amendment will form the foundation for a for-hire IFQ and harvest tags for private anglers.” In that passage EDF admitted to co-
opting a portion of the recreational for-hire sector into accepting their sector separation scheme, divide and conquer is alive and well as a primary strategy among environmental groups, and using it as a wedge to eventually force private anglers to purchase “harvest tags” for the luxury of fishing for red snapper that were their property to begin with as a Public Trust Resource. Amendment 40 (Sector Separation) was a huge step in the process of the conversion of the red snapper resource into private commodities relative to our Gulf recreational fisheries - a conversion that has already been achieved in the Gulf commercial fisheries such as red snapper, grouper, tilefish and others. First they must separate the fish based on whether they are caught from a true recreational vessel or one that is deriving profit from carrying anglers to fish (for-hire vessels) and check that one off the list. Next will be the transfer of ownership of our fish to entities within the for-hire industry such as; individual
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for-hire vessels, cooperatives, Angler Management Organizations (AMO’s), or other such vehicles formed for the purpose of receiving ownership rights to the fish. A fee is then attached to the harvest of those fish, and the fish “stocks” associated with the federal permits will have additional value when a permit holder decides to sell their permit or transfer their quota shares to another permit holder or sector.
see that the Feds’ are simply following the dictates of the environmental groups and have completely overstepped their authority.
This entire scheme was done under the cover of and in the name of conservation! The sorry thing is it’s not needed nor wanted by the vast majority of Gulf recreational fishermen, businesses that rely on recreational fishing, and most Gulf coastal communities.
red snapper fishery, about 90 corporations now control 51% of the Gulf red snapper harvest. Based on this year’s allocation, those commercial red snapper IFQs are worth around $280 million, and remember, our federal government GAVE those IFQs away for FREE. One corporation can own about 6% of the commercial quota - that 6% (about 430,000 pounds) is worth about $17,000,000 if sold outright, or about $1,500,000 PER YEAR if leased out. And neither the nation nor the fishery receives one red dime from those transactions.
Also remember that about 10 corThe simple fact that today red snapper inhabit almost every rig, platform, porations control over 60% of the Recently, the five Gulf patch reef or larger artificial reef in numbers never seen before negates the need for the kind of restrictive management EDF and its minions are fish. Amendment States have joined toclamoring for. The real reason for their push for catch shares has nothing 40 is attempting to gether for the first time to do with conservation! instill this very in unified opposition to same concept into this obvious attempt to our RECREATIONAL fisheries. take our fish from their rightful ownI The enviro-funded commercial red ers, the American people, and have t’s time for the five Gulf states need to snapper barons certainly do NOT proffered the idea of wresting control manage our Gulf red snapper fishery, want to see the states manage the of the red snapper fishery from the commercial fisheries since they both recreational and commercial, Federal government through the know that the states would actually out to 200 nautical miles. They have GMFMC and NMFS and delegating it manage the fisheries for the best the proven track record of doing to the Gulf State Red Snapper Maninterests of all of the people and not what not only is best for the fish, but agement Authority (GSRSMA). This just a handful of corporate fat cats. the fishermen and coastal communiwould rightfully remove red snapper To put into perspective what has ties along our Gulf coasts. from the control of the federal fisherhappened in the Gulf commercial ies managers since they can plainly
www.FLOSCAN.com
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WHO’S WHO OF THE RFA Meet Some of the Members of the Board of Directors and Regional Chairman, Volunteers All.
Robert T. Healey, Jr. Bob is the Executive CoChairman of the Viking Group, which manages Viking Yachts, Viking Investments, Viking Associates, Viking Residential, and Viking Developers. He is involved in a number of philanthropic activities including the International Educations Foundation, the Gleneayre Equestrian Program, the Children’s Resource Center, and is cofounder and President of the Healey International Relief Foundation, established to improve the quality of life of individuals and families in war-torn Third World country Sierra Leone in West Africa. Bob serves as the RFA’s Chairman of the Board.
Nate Odum Nate was born and in South Florida, where he fresh and salt water fished from the Bahamas to Lake Okeechobee. After many years in the insurance industry he co-purchased the Mexico Beach Marina & Outfitters in Florida’s panhandle, a full-service facility for boaters and fishermen. He serves on the board of the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association and has a keen interest in the problems facing fisheries management and the health of the marine resources in the Gulf. He is a member of the Board.
Mike Leech Mike has lived in Ft. Lauderdale since 1954, and is the former president of the International Game Fish Association. He served on the team that created the IGFA’s Fishing Hall of Fame, and is a Hall of Fame inductee himself. Mike is a long-time proponent of conservation and responsible fisheries management, and currently runs the World Cup Blue Marlin Championship held worldwide every July 4th. He is a member of the Board of Directors.
Les Stewart, Jr. Les is originally from Philadelphia, but spent his summers at the family shore house in Brigantine, NJ, where he developed a love of saltwater fishing. He moved to South Florida in 2006 to work for Contender Boats, where he currently serves as Director of Sales & Marketing. Les has had the opportunity to fish all over the country, competitively and for pleasure, and recognizes the importance of our nation’s fisheries and the importance of protecting them for future generations. He is among the newest members of the Board of Directors.
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degrees in Political Science and International Affairs, received a Juris Doctor from George Mason UniversiPat grew up in a boat ty, spent two decades as a Government Relations profactory, spending week- fessional, and is a member of the District of Columbia ends and summers Bar. A long-time avid hunter and fishermen, Jeff lives sweeping the floors and in Virginia with his wife Naomi and two young chilwatching shipwrights at dren, Jeffrey III and Liesel, who he says are “a new their craft. As President generation of hunting and angling enthusiasts.” Jeff and CEO of the Viking was recently elected to the Board of Directors. Yacht Company, and son of Viking co-founder Bill Healey, he is intimately familiar with all aspects of boat design and manufacPeter Harper, Jr. turing and propulsion systems and is an accomplished blue-water angler, with back-to-back wins of the rePeter is the Senior Vicenowned International Masters Angling Tournament. President of Sales for GE He fishes throughout the year, and is passionate Capital’s Commercial about promoting and protecting our recreational fishDistribution Finance in ing resources. He sits on the Board of Directors. Tampa, FL, facilitates the
Pat Healey
Martin Bistrong A 47-year veteran of the marine and sport fishing industries, Marty served as the Vice-President of Sales for Mako Marine from 1984 to 1990, and was then appointed VicePresident of Sales and marketing for Contender Boats, where he served until 2008. Currently Marty is with Yellowfin Yachts in Bradenton, FL, and will serve on RFA’s Board of Directors until 2018.
movement of finished recreational marine goods inventory between manufacturers, distributors and dealers, helping businesses carry optimum inventory levels. A graduate of Assumption College in Worcester, MA, he makes his home in Florida and is married with two daughters. In his spare time Peter and enjoys fishing, boating and diving. He has been on the Board of Directors for two terms.
Bob Flocken
Bob, who lives in St. Augustine, FL, is currently the President of Hi-Liner Fishing Gear and Tackle in Green Cove, a major supplier of equipment to the commercial longline Jeffrey S. Gabriel, fishing sector. He spent Jr. 13 years as a partner and Operations Director Jeff is Legislative Counsel to the Nation- of the Southern Kingfish Association (SKA) as well as al Marine Manufactur- the American Striper Association and the Yamaha Professional Kingfish Tour, producing 70 tournaments ers Association (NMMA), the nation’s from Maine to Texas. Bob has been active with RFA since 2009 and has helped organize rallies and leading recreational marine industry trade worked on other important RFA projects. association. He has
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that fisheries were in jeopardy of being lost to well-funded, radical environmental groups, and Jim lives in Ocean felt the RFA was the only organization that fully City, MD, and is the understood the threats to our citizens’ rights to President and founder hunt and fish that go back as far as the Magna of the White Marlin Carta. He is proud of RFA’s achievements in TexOpen, which he oper- as including the opening of Cedar Bayou and ates assisted by Vinson’s Slough, as well as restoring 78,000 daughters Sasha and acres of wetlands in the Rockport area. He has Madelyne. A graduate pushed hard for many years to allow states to of the University of control their fisheries rather than the federal Maryland with degovernment, a direction in which Gulf Coast grees in Business and states are currently moving. Jim is the chairman Economics, he has fished the East Coast, Bahaof RFA-TX, can you tell? mas, Central and South America, Mexico and Hawaii. Jim is a member of a number of angling organizations including the Ocean City Marlin Jack Conway Club, International Anglers Angling TournaJack grew up fishing ment, and the Ocean City Light Tackle Club, and Long Island Sound has testified in Washington fisheries issues. “pretty much since he could walk” and has fond memories Mike Pierdinock of catching flounCaptain Mike Pierdiders when he was nock has been an avid about six. Today he angler all of his life runs a 20-foot Mariand has fished the Attime Skiff out of lantic and Pacific from Westbrook, and if it New England to Cen- swims, Jack fishes for it. He is a long-time RFA tral America. He is an member, and served on the CAA-CT Chapter experienced recreaboard when it was active. He is heavily involved tional angler and char- in fisheries management in CT, and currently ter boat captain. Mike serves as the Chair of the Marine Advisory is dedicated to sound Group, Co-Chair of the Fisheries Advisory Counand ethical fishing practices in order to maincil, and as a member of ASMFC’s advisory panels tain sustainable levels of fish based upon sound for tautog and scup/summer flounder/black sea science. He serves on the NEFMC Recreational bass. He holds a Masters’ Degree in EnvironAdvisory Panel and Enforcement Advisory Panel mental Policy and Management and is the Enviand is the chairman of RFA-MA chapter. ronmental Health and Safety Compliance Manager for Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.
Jim Motsko
Jim Smarr, Texas Jim is a sixthgeneration Texan who has always supported and enjoyed fishing the bays and offshore waters. He joined the RFA simply because of the fact that all politics are eventually local. Jim was aware
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BITS AND PIECES
Fisheries Topics of Interest Recreational Fishing Participation Faces Threat of "Death Spiral" Study Finds California's licensing program too costly and antiquated. Today, California's leading advocate for salt and freshwater recreational anglers released a study that finds that the high cost of purchasing an "annual" recreational fishing license has proven to be a formidable barrier to access and has contributed to an unprecedented decline in recreational fishing. This comprehensive study may be the first time an effort has been made to compare the cost and value of annual fishing licenses, state -by-state. The results provide California policy makers an insight as to how costly annual fishing licenses are impacting participation rates, and how it could harm the State's economy and communities dependent on recreational fishing for $4.9 billion in economic activity each year. The study finds that, since 1980, annual recreational fishing license sales have declined by over 55% in a state that has witnessed a near 60% increase in population. It also reaches an alarming conclusion that there could be less than 500,000 annual licenses sold by 2027 – a 77% decline from 1980. "The dramatic decline in fishing participation should be a wakeup call for California anglers and state politicians," said Marko Mlikotin, executive director of the California Sportfishing League. "If the State recognizes recreational fishing's economic value, it will need to take immediate action to stop a rapidly-declining participation rate from turning into an out -of-
control death spiral. Reforming a costly and antiquated licensing program, and lifting unwarranted restrictions on fishing, is the first step to protecting a great form of family recreation that supports jobs and our state's economy." Key Findings:
Fishing in California is Costly. California offers the 2nd highest fresh/ saltwater annual fishing license in the U.S. What once sold for $5 in 1980, costs $47.01 today, not including permits that could increase the cost to as much as $120 a year. *California's "annual" base residential license of $47.01 is 66% above the average fishing license cost of all coastal states ($28.30) and 76% above the average fishing license cost for all states ($26.73), not including additional permits. California Offers Less Value Than Any Other States. Even though Washington's saltwater/fresh water "combo" license is the costliest license in the U.S., many states, including Washington, offer greater savings and value to their anglers by requiring fewer permits, and the option of purchasing a fresh or saltwater license, independently, at a reduced price. California does not. California also operates under an antiqued calendar system, whereby licenses expire on December 31st of every year, regardless of when purchased. This system discourages anglers from purchasing a license that is not valid a full 12 months.
Decline in License Sales Exposes Threat of Death Spiral Despite having one of the longest coastlines
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in the U.S.; over 4,000 lakes/reservoirs; and thousands of rivers and streams; California's fishing participation rate is ranked dead last in the United States. Since 1980, when annual licenses were sold for as little as $5.00, California's annual fishing license sales have dropped by more than 55% (1980: 2.26 million; 2014: 990k), while our state's population has increased by nearly 60%. In 2014, 40,000 fewer annual fishing licenses were sold compared to 2013. If the 35-year trend remains constant, annual fishing license sales could fall below 500,000 by 2027, or another 49% over the next 12 years. Should this occur, between 1980 and 2027, annual license sales will have dropped 78%. This downward trend could accelerate if fees are increased substantially, or new regulations are imposed that increase costs or barriers to fishing. The study also introduces policy recommenda-
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tions as to how the state could address high costs and unwarranted restrictions on fishing that have led to an unprecedented and alarming trend. The State has a strong incentive to consider them, as fishing licenses are a major source of revenue for fishing and wildlife programs. These programs will face continued revenue shortfalls as the number of California anglers decline. The California Sportfishing League (CSL) is a nonprofit coalition of fresh and saltwater anglers, and small business owners devoted to protecting access to recreational fishing. Recreational fishing contributes over $4.9 billion annually to California's economy, a major of outdoor tourism and jobs. The study is available at www.SportfishingConservation.org or click here.
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RFA CHAPTER NEWS Reports & Updates from RFA Chapters and Regional Directors
New England Update Connecticut RFA Chapter Formed The RFA-CT Chapter was formed in December of 2015 when a small group of anglers decided to form an advocacy organization that could represent the interests of the coastal, recreational angler in CT. That small group of anglers is now the 2015 RFA CT Chapter Board and consists of John (Jack) Conway, Chair; John Willard, CoChair and Jeff Zoufaly, Treasurer. The goal of the Chapter is to become the “Voice of the CT Coastal Angler” and to work with regulatory agencies and other recreational fishing interests to ensure that adequate fishing opportunities exist in CT waters and enhance recreational fishing opportunities across the region. At the same time, the Chapter wants to host fun events to make the organization attractive to both the serious and casual recreational angler. As of May, 2015, the Chapter is planning a tautog tagging study called “Tag a Tautog for Tomorrow” that will allow participating anglers the opportunity to fish for tautog during closed season. The goal of the program is to tag tautog along the entire CT shoreline in an effort to understand tautog migration patterns and mixing of tautog between different states. This study is being done in conjunction with the CTDEEP. The tagging study is crucial to CT anglers due to the fact that tautog are under intense pressure from both the recreational fishing community and black market fishing
(poaching) that often supplies live tautog to restaurants for sushi. The study should help regulatory agencies craft new regulations to protect this increasingly important fish from over exploitation. In addition to the tautog tagging study, the Chapter is planning the 1 st Annual Fourth of July, RFA-CT Chapter Fluke Tournament that will run from June 27th through July 5 th and allow participating anglers to fish in the waters of CT, NY and RI. The chapter is soliciting sponsorship for this event and is looking to work with local bait and tackle shops and to become official RFA signup stations and weigh stations. The event will be “family friendly” and will have a children’s division as well. The CT Chapter presently meets in Central CT, usually in the New Haven area, but is very happy to host meetings in other areas of the state in an effort to grow the membership and truly represent the entire state. Members should expect additional events throughout the year. The current board is actively soliciting additional board members and RFA volunteers to work on Chapter functions. Interested anglers should contact Jack Conway at CTJackC@gmail.com for further discussion.
Major Victory In New England The New England Fishery Management Council voted on April 23 rd against the proposed Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment 2, Western Gulf of Maine Designated Habitat Research Area (DHRA) that
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proposed the closure of 55 square miles of prime fishing grounds at Stellwagen Bank to recreational groundfishing. The RFA has been adamantly fighting against the proposed closure at the New England Fishery Management Council (Council) Sanctuary dating back to when the research area was referred to Sanctuary Ecological Research Area (SERA I/II) prior to 2010. The contested zone, known as the "Reference Area," would have been part of a larger, 330-square-mile DHRA contained in the new Omnibus Habitat Amendment 2, a massive plan designed to protect fish and bottom habitat off the Northeast coast that the Council has been working on for over five years. The DHRA would prohibit commercial groundfishing, but allow recreational fishing. The Reference Area, created and strongly supported by the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (SBNMS) ostensibly for their own research needs, would have banned all bottom fishing, including recreational angling, within its borders. The proposed DHRA would have resulted in the closure of one of the last areas that are accessible to the for-hire fleet and recreational anglers that provides fruitful levels of cod, haddock and other bottom fish. This was neither the time nor the place to consider such a closure while we struggle with a poor economy, with the existing cod closures, reduced bag limits on haddock over fewer weeks per year, and the recent reduction in the striped bass bag limit. Closure would have required our vessels to transit farther increasing costs and resulting in safety issues due to transiting distances greater than 30 to 40 nautical miles. The basis for the selection of the proposed DHRA was riddled with flawed science, flawed economic analysis and inconsistencies that questioned the basic foundation and selection of the area for research. We have pointed out the scientific and economic flaws over the past several years. In January 2015, the Massachusetts Department of Marine Fisheries (MADMF) agreed with
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our conclusions and noted that cod were not residents to the proposed DHRA. The cod with “pinger” tags never left the study area because they had expired within that area or as a result of tag shedding where the cod migrated beyond the area and the tag remained. The recorded localized movement was consistent with the tidal cycles and vertical/horizontal currents, which indicated they were not a live resident to the area. MADMF concluded that the cod appeared dead and/or the tags had been shed, and in either case indicate that they were not resident cod of the proposed DHRA. The SBNMS relied on cod studies described above that indicated that cod are yearround residents of the proposed study area. As a result, SBNMS believed the proposed DHRA would be suitable and appropriate for study. Based upon our years of experience as anglers and charter boat captains in the proposed DHRA area, we never believed this to be the case, and it is was not consistent with our historical observations. After observing the ongoing historical changes in the goals and objectives of the DHRA that were constantly being shot down as a result of flawed science and economics it was apparent that the goal of the SBNMS is to expand their funding and budget and not to conduct sound research based upon sound science and economic principles. Something is wrong with this picture when we are constantly demanding that the DHRA be based on sound science. One would expect this from the Council or SBNMS. The Sanctuary indicated to the Massachusetts Lobstermens Association that if the Council does not approve the DHRA that they will go directly to Congress for approval and that they will propose to prohibit lobster traps in the DHRA. This flawed science can’t pass the straight face test at its most elementary level where the Sanctuary initially permitted lobster traps in the DHRA
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since the detrimental impact to the habitat would be less than the hook and line recreational fisherman. Is this for real? With the lobsterman faced with more seasonal closures as a result of whales in our waters they are also being denied access to the fishery. The proposed DHRA has resulted in the lobsterman, commercial fisherman, recreational anglers and charter boat captains to unite under one cause against the proposed DHRA.
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flawed science? Over 200 anglers voiced their opposition to the DHRA at the public meetings in Plymouth and Gloucester, Massachusetts and they indicated that they fish within the proposed closure area yet the Sanctuary continued to indicate that only five charter boats fish within this area.
On April 23rd in Mystic, CT, the Council) voted by a 13 to 4 margin to drop from consideration the proposed 55-square-mile zone in the Stellwagen Bank water located Earlier this year, the NEFMC’s Recreational off the Massachusetts coast that would have Advisory Panel (RAP) sent a strong message banned recreational groundfishing. Only to the Council, unanimously opposing the four members of the Council voted for, or proposed research area. The Sanctuary con- recommended the creation of, the reference tinued to indicate that only five charter area that would prohibit recreational fishboats fish within this area, based upon Ves- ing included Habitat Committee chair David sel Trip Reports (VTRs). New England recre- Preble, Mark Gibson, Matt McKenzie, and ational fishermen as well as other NOAA Mark Alexander. agencies not associated with the SBNMS Council members Frank Blount, Terry Alexpointed out that VTRs do not provide an ac- ander, Dave Pierce and Dr. Michael Sissencurate picture of fishing activity. Then why wine lead the way pointing out technical does the Sanctuary continue to promote and economic flaws associated with the
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DHRA. It should be noted that John Bullard, Northeast Director of NMFS, voted against the creation of the DHRA. I was one of the few individuals that were permitted to provide testimony against the proposed DHRA at the Council meeting. It is apparent the DHRA was riddled with flawed science and flawed economics. The emails, phone calls and correspondence worked. Several Council members stated at the meeting that they had never received so much correspondence and testimony on a single issue of fishery management. This was important to us, so we knew we had to pull out all the stops. The press releases from RFA urging folks to attend the hearings and send emails were huge. The recreational sector can really mobilize if there's a good incentive and a strong push. We thank those Council members who went to bat for us, particularly those representing the commercial fishing sector. It shows we really can work together when we need to.
Making Waves Spring 2015
North Carolina Update RFA-NC has Inaugural Meeting On April 27, the Recreational Fishing Alliance North Carolina Chapter (RFA-NC) held its first Carolina Beach. The meeting was hosted by Capt. Robert Schoonmaker a Carolina Beach based charter boat owner/operator and the newly appointed RFA NC Chairman. The meeting agenda included a status update on the chapter, an overview of fishery management issues and an outline on a course of action for North Carolina anglers to gain a stronger voice on matters in the state impacting their sport and livelihood.
Speakers included Captain Dave Timpey who gave a brief history on proposed management measures including Amendment 1 to the Southern Flounder FMP and the most recent assessment. Gary Caputi of the Recreational Fishing Alliance provided an overview of the organization and how the This is a major victory for both private anRFA can help give North Carolina recreaglers and the for-hire fleet. The fact that tional fishermen a voice in politics at the lothe recreational sector cannot possess any cal, state and federal levels. Chris Walls a cod this year now makes it even more valua- lobbyist with The Policy Group, an Ashville ble to us. This was not the time to implebased firm, who discussed the implementament any new restrictions on sport fishing. tion of the for-hire logbook regulation and Several other key opponents worked along- pending action under Amendment 1 to the side those of us representing RFA, including South Southern FMP. Capt. Charlie Wade, President of RFA-NC is looking forward to getting more the Stellwagen Bank Charter Boat Associainvolved in the fishery management and tion and Capt Dave Waldrip. This core politic process in North Carolina and giving group was remarkably successful in getting recreational and for-hire anglers a voice in hundreds of anglers and charter operators, the state. as well as a number of bipartisan federal and state elected officials, to turn out at the public hearings and oppose the Sanctuary's attempted grab of publicly-owned ocean bottom. The new Habitat Amendment will be redrafted to reflect the Council's decisions at the meeting, and will go out to public hearing in the coming months. Final implementation will likely not be until 2016.
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Making Waves Spring 2015
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The RFA Mission Safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers Protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs Ensure the long-term sustainability of our nation’s fisheries. Anti-fishing groups and radical environmentalists are pushing their agenda on marine fisheries issues affecting you. The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) is in the trenches too, lobbying, educating decision makers and ensuring that the interests of America’s coastal fishermen are being heard loud and clear. Incorporated in 1996 as a 501c4 national, grassroots political action organization, RFA represents recreational fishermen and the recreational fishing industry on marine fisheries issues on every coast, with state chapters established to spearhead the regional issues while building local support. “The biggest challenge we face is the fight to reform and bring common sense and sound science into the fisheries management process, says James Donofrio, RFA founder and Executive Director. “Anti-fishing and extreme environmental groups are working everyday to get us off the water.” Despite the threats to diminish access to our nation’s resources, Donofrio says that RFA offers members hope in an organization that’s designed from the ground up to fight back. “As individuals, our concerns will simply not be heard; but as a united group, we can and do stand up to anyone who threatens the sport we enjoy so much – fishing!” After nearly 20 years working inside the Beltway and within state capitols along the coast, RFA has become known as one of the nation’s most respected lobbying organizations, and our members have a lot to celebrate.
The Recreational Fishing Alliance Headquarters P.O. Box 3080 New Gretna, New Jersey 08224 Phone: 1-888-564-6732 toll free Fax: (609) 294-3812
Jim Donofrio Executive Director
Capt. Barry Gibson Jim Martin New England Regional Director West Coast Regional Director
John DePersenaire Managing Director
Gary Caputi Corporate Relations Director
Cover & Background Designs by
T. J. Cheek Southeast Regional Director