Recreational Fishing and Boating Industry and Marine Conservation Leaders Advocate on Capitol Hill During Center Focus on Washington
Washington, D.C. – May 12, 2022 – The Center for Sportfishing Policy (CSP) hosted its annual fly-in “Center Focus on Washington,” May 10 – 12. 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).
Key issues for Center Focus and ABC participants included: safeguarding public access in the effort to conserve 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030 (30×30); improving recreational infrastructure; enforcement of the Modern Fish Act; U.S. competitiveness; conserving America’s marine resources through legislative efforts such as banning drift nets in Pacific federal waters and protecting unmanaged forage fish, and many other topics.
“It was so great to be back on Capitol Hill with recreational fishing and boating leaders advocating for policy priorities important to anglers and to marine conservation,” said Jeff Angers, president of the Center for Sportfishing Policy. “As we enter into summer, anglers and boaters are energized and participation is at record levels. There’s still plenty of work to do, but we are walking away from Center Focus thrilled by the positive conversations that took place with Members of Congress and the Administration this week.”
At its annual board meeting May 11, CSP instated newly elected members to its board of directors.
“We are thankful at CSP to have a tremendous group of dedicated industry and conservation leaders who work hard every day to ensure recreational fishing will be a pastime enjoyed by the next generations in America,” said Angers. “It takes all of us doing our part to encourage good stewardship of the marine environment and to promote access and opportunity for the public to enjoy our nation’s bounty.”
Elected to serve three-year terms:
- Dave Bulthuis, president, Pure Fishing, Inc.
- Scott Deal, founder, Maverick Boats
- Eric Fetchko, president, Dometic Marine Americas
- Justin Healey, Viking Yachts
- Jack Lawton, Jr.
- Jim McDuffie, president, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust
- Pat Murray, president, Coastal Conservation Association
- Jason Schratwieser, president, International Game Fish Association
- Bill Shedd, chairman, AFTCO
- Ben Speciale, president, Yamaha Marine
Elected to serve one-year terms:
- Annual Member Director Chris Butler, president of Butler Marine
- Corporate Member Director John Brownlee, vice president marketing, Yellowfin Yachts
- Corporate Member Director Joan Maxwell, president, Regulator Marine
- Life Member Director Mark Ray, chairman, CCA National
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.
###