Center for Sportfishing Policy Honors Senator Brian Schatz and Sportsman Boats’ Tommy Hancock During Annual D.C. Fly-in
Washington, D.C. – May 13, 2022 – The Center for Sportfishing Policy (CSP) hosted its annual fly-in “Center Focus on Washington,” where the organization honored two influential leaders for their contributions to recreational fishing and boating and marine conservation on Thursday, May 12.
CSP recognized Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) with its Conservation Leadership Award for championing policies promoting healthy fisheries and public access to America’s natural marine resources.
“Senator Schatz has long been a leader on fisheries and oceans issues in the Senate, where he was an original cosponsor of the landmark Modern Fish Act and a staunch supporter of allowing recreational fishing in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument,” said Jeff Angers, president of the Center for Sportfishing Policy. “Senator Schatz promotes responsible stewardship and demands scientific management of our oceans while standing tall for recreational anglers, and we are pleased to honor him with the CSP Conservation Leadership Award.”
During the American Boating Congress Welcome Breakfast, hosted by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), CSP honored Sportsman Boats President Tommy Hancock with its Eddie Smith Manufacturer of the Year Award for his impact on recreational fishing and boating and marine conservation across the country. Scott Deal, 2015 Eddie Smith Manufacturer of the Year, presented the award to Hancock.
“Tommy is a deeply passionate blue water angler who generously gives of his time and talent to make a positive impact for America’s recreational anglers and boaters,” said Angers. “He is an avid supporter of several conservation-minded organizations and an industry leader who knows how to get things done in the politics of fish.”
The Eddie Smith Award was established by CSP to honor extraordinary commitment to conservation by manufacturers. An icon in marine manufacturing, Smith was a leader on the boards of NMMA; Coastal Conservation Association North Carolina, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, and many other leadership roles. Well known as the owner of Grady-White Boats, Smith received the first-ever American Sportfishing Association Lifetime Achievement Award and is a member of the NMMA Hall of Fame. Past recipients of the award include AFTCO’s Bill Shedd; Bass Pro Shops’ Johnny Morris; CSP Past Chairman Bob Hayes; Maverick Boats’ Scott Deal; NMMA Past President Thom Dammrich; Shimano USA’s Dave Pfeiffer, and Yamaha’s Phil Dyskow and Ben Speciale.
The Center for Sportfishing Policy is the nation’s leading advocate for saltwater recreational anglers. The Center 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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