Center for Sportfishing Policy Honors Bipartisan Leaders Carter and Peltola During Annual Washington Fly-In

May 14, 2024

Washington, D.C. — May 14, 2024 — The Center for Sportfishing Policy (CSP) hosted its annual fly-in “Center Focus on Washington,” May 8-9.  The event brought recreational fishing and boating industry leaders together to participate in important discussions with key policymakers. As in years past CSP co-located its fly-in with the American Boating Congress (ABC), the marine industry’s premier political and legislative event, hosted by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).

During the event, CSP honored Congressman Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) and Congresswoman Mary Peltola (D-Alaska) with its Conservation Leadership Awards. They were recognized for their bipartisan efforts to postpone funding for the Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) rule until more accurate monitoring systems are established for detecting North Atlantic right whales. Both legislators are champions of policies that promote healthy fisheries, public access and preserve recreational enjoyment of America’s public marine resources. 

“Congressman Carter and Congresswoman Peltola have demonstrated unwavering commitment to marine conservation, both fighting for a thriving future for recreational fishing and boating,” said Jeff Angers, president of the Center for Sportfishing Policy.  “Their leadership and collaborative work in Congress will have a lasting, positive impact on our marine resources and the future of recreational fishing and boating.”

Key issues for Center Focus and ABC participants included: NOAA’s proposed North Atlantic right whale VSR rule; enhancement of recreational infrastructure; enforcement of the Modern Fish Act; combating aquatic invasive species, and improving federal fisheries data collections.

“It was great to welcome back to Capitol Hill so many allies in the recreational fishing and boating industry,” said Angers. “Each year, Center Focus and the American Boating Congress unite leaders to champion our policy priorities that are important to our industry.  Engaging with policymakers at this critical juncture is essential, particularly as we confront the proposed vessel speed restrictions on the Atlantic Seaboard.” 

At its annual board meeting May 8, CSP installed elected members to its board of directors.

“We are fortunate at CSP to have dedicated volunteer leaders from the recreational fishing and boating industry and conservation community. They are dedicated to sound fisheries management and ensuring a prosperous future for marine recreational activities,” said Angers.

Elected to serve three-year terms:

Elected to serve one-year terms:

The Center for Sportfishing Policy is the nation’s leading advocate for saltwater recreational anglers. CSP organizes, focuses and engages recreational fishing stakeholders to shape federal marine fisheries management policies. For more information, visit www.SportfishingPolicy.com

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