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MRAA, Association of Marina Industries Meet with White House, Request NMFS Reopen Comments on Proposed Vessel Speed Rule -- June 6, 2024
In a meeting with the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) and the Association of Marina Industries (AMI) formally requested the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) withdraw its proposed amendments to the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule. The associations advocated for reopening the docket to gather additional public comments on alternative measures that effectively mitigate whale strikes without compromising boater safety and the coastal economy.
In a letter addressed to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and in comments during the meeting itself, MRAA and AMI emphasized the significant detrimental impact the proposed rule would have on the recreational boating and fishing industry, with a particular focus on marine retailers and marinas. The current rule proposes a 10-knot speed restriction for vessels, a measure that both associations argue is not only ineffective but also poses substantial safety risks and economic burdens.
“The proposed 10-knot speed limit severely underestimates the economic impact on small businesses and the broader coastal economy,” stated Mike Sayre, MRAA Director of Government Relations. “Our survey indicates that the rule could result in an annual economic loss exceeding $2 billion for marine dealers, brokers and marinas along the Atlantic coast. This is far greater than the $46 million impact estimated by NMFS and our survey doesn’t take into account the impact on marine manufacturers, the recreational fishing industry, nor the coastal communities that rely on boaters as an economic driver.”
During the meeting, the associations presented survey data showing potential losses in sales, services and dockage revenues, emphasizing that many recreational and commercial boating activities would become untenable under the proposed rule. Furthermore, the associations also highlighted shortcomings with NMFS’s initial economic impact assessment and urged that NMFS expand its analysis to better consider the impact on marine retailers and marinas.
NMFS’s initial estimate that this rule would result in an economic impact of only $46 million per year was based solely on its estimate of “delayed transit hours” for impacted vessels, which completely ignores the impacts to MRAA and AMI members. Unfortunately, this is an estimate of only a single and likely the smallest facet of the vast economic impact of the proposed rule, and our associations are demanding that NOAA re-do their Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) to capture the impact more accurately for our members.
"We believe there are performance-based solutions that can achieve the goal of protecting the North Atlantic Right Whale without the devastating economic consequences,” said Eric Kretsch, Legislative and Clean Marina Program Manager at AMI. “It's crucial to engage with the boating community to develop practical and effective measures, and we hope that if the rule is withdrawn, the recreational boating community is tapped for more meaningful and substantive input as the rule is redrafted.”
Projects to Address AIS Receive Funding Through Rapid Response Fund -- May 31, 2024
Earlier this month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced four projects that will receive $785,000 to address the early detection and rapid response for aquatic invasive species (AIS) – a top priority for the recreational boating industry.
The four selected projects comprise the first quarter of awardees of the Rapid Response Fund, which received $4 million over four years to address invasive species. The rapid response funds are awarded quarterly through a competitive funding opportunity to allow timely response to new species threats while maintaining a fair, competitive, and transparent process. The administration’s investments include projects in Alaska, California, Nevada, and Rhode Island.
The rapid response fund is administered within the USFWS Fish and Aquatic Conservation program and coordinated though the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force. The fund was established as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to assess and support response actions for quick containment or eradication of newly detected species. More information on the fund and award structure can be found here.
ABC Closes Another Successful Event -- May 24, 2024
Advocates from the recreational boating and fishing industry gathered in Washington, D.C., last week to tackle the pressing issues confronting the $230 billion sector during the three-day American Boating Congress (ABC).
Conversations with lawmakers focused on infrastructure, boater access, manufacturing, and sustainability, and ABC attendees heard from multiple speakers, including Mike Allen and Alex Thompson of Axios and Nathan Gonzales of Inside Elections to get an insider’s look of the inner workings of Congress, the Administration and the concerns of voters.
AMI members took to the hill, visiting the offices of Congress Members from Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Florida, North Carolina, New Jersey and other states.
"It [the American Boating Congress] is such an important event for our industry because while on the Hill, we have the opportunity to raise awareness of the size and prominence of the marina industry," said Eric Kretsch, AMI's Legislative and Clean Marina Program Manager, "We've already heard from NMMA reports that we've gained three members of the Congressional Boating Caucus. That is really important because these are our champions on the Hill."
AMI attends the American Boating Congress -- May 10, 2024
This week AMI attended and co-hosted the American Boating Congress. The advocacy event provided a crucial platform for recreational boating industry stakeholders to engage with timely political updates and discuss industry policy priorities such as boating access, infrastructure, tariffs, and sustainability with members of Congress. Attendees heard from members of Congress and political experts.
Marine Industry Showcases Whale-Strike Technology -- April 25, 2024
The National Marine Manufacturers Association earlier this month hosted a showcase on Capitol Hill to demonstrate to members of Congress the technologies available to reduce the risk of vessel strikes to marine mammals, with particular focus on North Atlantic right whales.
The event took place on the House and Senate sides of the Capitol and included a Congressional Boating Caucus briefing. Federal regulators are still considering the finalization of the expanded 2008 North Atlantic right whale vessel speed regulations.
“The purpose of the marine technology showcase was to inform members of Congress and policymakers on this important work, how it can be supported, and what technologies are both available and operational for use today to reduce the risk of vessel strikes, NMMA said in a statement.
Whale Strike Rule Moves Forward -- March 8, 2024
The National Marine Manufacturers Association expressed disappointment with the decision by the Department of Commerce to advance the North American Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule to the Office of Management and Budget.
Proposed by NOAA, the rule would restrict boats to 11 mph along much of the Eastern Seaboard for up to seven months of the year. NMMA says this would significantly hurt coastal economies and the small businesses that comprise the boating industry.
“We are extremely disappointed and alarmed to see this economically catastrophic and deeply flawed rule proceed to these final stages,” NMMA president and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer said in a statement. “The proposed rule is based on incorrect assumptions and questionable data, and fails to distinguish between large, ocean-crossing vessels and small recreational boats, which could not be more different from each other. Most concerning, the proposed rule ignores the current advanced marine t that can better protect the North Atlantic right whale and prevent vessel strikes.” Read more here.
American Boating Congress Registration Opens -- February 23, 2024
Registration for the American Boating Congress is now open. ABC will return to Washington, D.C., from May 8 to 10, bringing together all segments of the recreational boating industry on Capitol Hill to address advocacy concerns for the industry. AMI is a proud supporter of the American Boating Congress and will Co-Host this years event. AMI members are encouraged to attend. If you plan on attending please register and RSVP to Eric Kretsch at EKretsch@MarinaAssociation.org.
In a statement, the National Marine Manufacturers Association said that early-bird pricing is available through April 1. This year’s event will include meetings with members of Congress and staff, networking opportunities, and receptions. Interested parties can register here.
NOAA Hears Boating Industry Concerns and Marine Technological Solutions Regarding the Proposed Vessel Speed Restriction Rule – February 16, 2024
This week, members of the boating industry met with NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator Janet Coit at the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show to express their concerns about the agency’s proposed expansion of the North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW) Vessel Strike Reduction rule. This was the first time the Assistant Administrator had met with the recreational boating industry about the impact of the rule since it was proposed a year and a half ago in August of 2022.
During the meetings, Assistant Administrator Coit heard from an array of boating industry stakeholders, including small business boat manufacturers, anglers, and marine technology experts. Attendees voiced their concerns over the devastating impacts this rule would have on their businesses, the lives of their employees and customers, and the broader coastal economies. The members of the boating industry strongly encouraged a solution that focuses on the adoption of advanced marine technologies that would more effectively prevent vessel whales strikes than a blanket speed rule.
Concerns expressed to Assistant Administrator Coit during the meeting included:
- Technology: Sophisticated technology exists today that can detect and protect NARWs from vessel strikes. During the show, leading marine technology experts showed Assistant Administrator Coit exactly how the technology works and how it can be deployed on existing recreational boats.
- Economic Impact: The proposed rule puts more than 340,000 American jobs and nearly $84 billion in economic contributions in jeopardy. More than 95 percent of boats sold in the U.S. are made in the U.S., and approximately 93 percent of boat manufacturers are small business owners. Many coastal economies are built on recreational boating, fishing trips, and the hospitality industry that requires access to the ocean. This rule could have the potential to devastate these small businesses and economies that are still recovering following the pandemic.
- Data: NOAA’s data used in developing the proposed rule is fundamentally flawed and significantly overestimates recreational boating’s impact on NARW mortality while vastly underestimating the economic and safety impacts of the rule. Studies show that most fatal whale strikes are caused by large, ocean-going vessels over 260 feet. Further, in the proposed rule, NOAA casts no distinction between a 35-foot boat that drafts only 3 feet versus a massive oceangoing vessel that drafts 45 feet. Finally, it was impressed upon the Assistant Administrator that small, recreational boats are much more able to avoid whales due to the ability to quickly change course. Because recreational boats are likely to suffer a catastrophic event when they hit a whale, recreational boaters are highly incentivized to avoid whales or anything in the water that could destroy their boats and risk the lives of those on board.
- Boater Safety: Requiring small recreational boats to travel at 10 knots (11 mph) in the open ocean can put boater safety at great risk. Boats are safer when they are operated on plane because it affords boaters better visibility and the ability to navigate the waves, especially in poor weather.
Highly-Anticipated, Comprehensive Guide Helps Communities Strengthen their Economies through Outdoor Recreation -- January 25, 2024
Today the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) released the second edition of its Rural Economic Development Toolkit on a webinar with over 1,000 registrants. This essential resource, built upon three years of extensive research across the United States, is a comprehensive guide for communities looking to strengthen their economies through outdoor recreation. At a time when the outdoor recreation economy at large surpassed $1 trillion in economic impact, and communities around the country are utilizing outdoor recreation infrastructure and access for economic diversification, this resource is well-suited to meet the unprecedented demand for support.
ORR’s Vice President of Programs Chris Perkins stated, “This toolkit is more than just a resource; it’s also a roadmap for communities to enhance and build robust outdoor recreation economies, sourced from community leaders around the United States. Over 1000 people from communities and organizations nationwide signed up to learn from this tool, a testament to the growing interest and dedication towards sustainable economic development through outdoor recreation in rural America.”
Backed by the generous support of the Richard King Mellon Foundation and with the support of the Oregon State University Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy, this toolkit represents a significant advancement in empowering rural communities. In today’s nationally broadcast webinar for Congressional and agency staff, community leaders, economic development professionals, and recreation advocates, Perkins, the principal author of the toolkit, presented a broad array of new research and resources. Following his presentation, community leaders from various rural regions including Old Fort, North Carolina; Athens County, Ohio; the Pennsylvania Wilds; and Beckley, West Virginia, shared their success strategies, emphasizing the toolkit’s practical applications. For more.
Congress Closes in on Historic, Bipartisan Outdoor Recreation Package - January 19, 2024
The Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act passed the House Natural Resources Committee today by unanimous consent. This action underscores the momentum the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) and industry partners have built over the past few years to advance bipartisan policies that improve access and transform outdoor recreation opportunities. The outdoor recreation industry—recently valued at $1 trillion—was instrumental in passing the Great American Outdoors Act in 2022, which was one of the greatest public lands and waters packages to become law in the history of our nation.
The EXPLORE Act is historically significant as it is the first-ever outdoor recreation specific bill package and does not cost taxpayer dollars. The bipartisan legislation will boost local and national economies, give more Americans—especially those in underserved areas—greater access to green spaces and public lands and waters, while also modernizing policies and procedures to support the recreation businesses that connect people to outdoor experiences. The EXPLORE Act is a companion to a similar package passed in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee last year, America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA).
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable’s President, Jessica Wahl Turner lauded today’s action saying, "Today marks a major advancement for the future of outdoor recreation in the United States. With the House Natural Resources Committee's markup of the EXPLORE Act, we are moving closer to enacting legislation that will revitalize our approach to recreation management and access. This bipartisan effort, led by Chairman Bruce Westerman and Ranking Member Raul Grijalva, is a testament to the ongoing dedication to not only preserving, but also enhancing the outdoor experiences available to every American. The EXPLORE Act brings modern solutions to the forefront, ensuring that our green spaces and outdoor places are more accessible and enjoyable for all. It's a forward-thinking move that aligns with the ever-growing enthusiasm for outdoor activities and addresses the need for our policies to reflect current and future outdoor engagement.”
ORR and its members celebrate this milestone and urge swift passage of the EXPLORE Act through the full House and Senate, for the benefit of our public lands, waters, and the communities that thrive because of them.
Legislation supported by AMI and the marine industry makes real impact -- September 6, 2023
The Association of Marina Industries and industry-supported Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is making a real impact for marinas and boatyards. BoatUS Foundation recently announced that they are a recipient of a 4- year, $10 Million grant from NOAA's Marine Debris Removal Program to remove abandoned derelict vessels from our nation’s coasts and Great Lakes, and prevent associated pollution, navigation, and safety hazards.
The grant, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is part of NOAA’s larger mission to address marine debris, which not only includes fiberglass boats but derelict fishing gear, plastics and other types of debris.
The grant directs the Annapolis, Maryland-based boating nonprofit to “…improve U.S. coastal and marine waters affected by abandoned and derelict vessels by facilitating removal and prevention activities across the country.”
The majority of funds will kick-start a one-stop-shop competitive grant program to seek out and complete marine debris removal projects on our nation’s coasts (saltwaters) and in the Great Lakes for funding and support. Under the guidelines, any organization – public or private – will be able to apply for ADV removal funds. For more.
Outdoor Recreational Roundtable Announces New Rural Economic Development Grant -- July 18, 2023
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), of which AMI is a founding member, announced the opening of its grant opportunity to help rural communities grow their local economies and make them more resilient through outdoor recreation. These grants are made possible through funding from the Richard King Mellon Foundation and help ensure that ORR can continue its charge to provide support, information, and resources to rural communities seeking to create economic opportunities through outdoor recreation.
This marks the second round of ORR’s successful grant program which debuted in 2021. This new round increases grant size to $10,000 and provides in-kind technical assistance from ORR members to rural communities with compelling recreation economy plans. For communities with big plans and limited bandwidth, grants like these can help unlock federal, state, and local match dollars from programs like USDA Rural Development, state infrastructure funds, and interest from private foundations. For more see the announcement from ORR.
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Launches Innovative New Resources for Growing Outdoor Workforce of the Future - July 11, 2023
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) and the Association of Marina Industries are thrilled to announce the launch of a new Outdoor Workforce Hub, developed with support from The VF Foundation. The launch follows a year spent gathering perspectives from ORR members, outdoor industry leaders and community partners to identify opportunities for the $862 billion outdoor recreation economy, and the 4.5 million professionals who support connecting people to the outdoors.
The Outdoor Workforce Hub debuts on ORR’s new website and features a number of interactive tools designed to help employers, educators, and those interested in joining the outdoor recreation industry, as well as those looking to expand their careers in the sector, including:
- A new Roadmap for a 21st Century Outdoor Workforce;
- A first-of-its kind map of nearly 250 higher education, trade and training programs for outdoor careers;
- A primer on outdoor recreation-related jobs and existing research to help prospective talent, industry leaders, educators and policymakers alike understand the breadth and depth of outdoor careers;
- A four-part Outdoor Workforce Expert series;
- An ORR Career Path Module featuring real professionals across the industry;
- Materials for career development offices; and
- Links to other impactful resources to help outdoor professionals thrive.
AMI welcomes the introduction of Protecting Whales, Human Safety, and the Economy Act of 2023 - June 8, 2023
Following this week’s House Natural Resources subcommittee hearing examining the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) proposed vessel speed restriction along the Atlantic seaboard, Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and John Boozman (R-AR), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus and members of the Congressional Boating Caucus, introduced the bipartisan Protecting Whales, Human Safety, and the Economy Act of 2023.
The bill would prohibit NOAA from issuing a rule that modifies or replaces the North Atlantic Right Whale vessel strike reduction regulation until technological solutions recently authorized by Congress can help better track whales and avoid strikes. NOAA has proposed changes that would broaden the boundaries and timing of seasonal speed restrictions while expanding mandatory speed restrictions (10-knots, or 11mph), despite a lack of scientific evidence that the proposed changes would further protect the North Atlantic right whales population.
“As Co-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus and as an avid sportsman myself, I know firsthand how important our fishing culture is to who we are, whether that’s on our trout streams in West Virginia or coastal fishing along the Eastern Seaboard,” said Senator Manchin. “I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan Protecting Whales, Human Safety, and the Economy Act of 2023 to prevent yet another example of dangerous federal overreach that would place unnecessary burdens on our seasonal fishermen, boat manufacturers and the coastal economies that rely on them. I’ve consistently voted to rein in this Administration’s attempts to regulate critical industries out of business, and I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bipartisan, commonsense legislation.”
“We can and should balance protecting wildlife and livelihoods because it is common sense. I’m pleased to join Senator Manchin on this legislation to encourage a reasonable solution for safeguarding the Right Whale population without imposing overly restrictive mandates and inviting unintended consequences,” Senator Boozman said.
NOAA’s proposed changes would broaden the boundaries and timing of seasonal speed restrictions along the East Coast while expanding mandatory speed restrictions of 10 knots or less from vessels over 65 feet to those over 35 feet. The proposed speed zones would be in effect annually from November through April or May, directly overlapping with fishing seasons for popular fisheries throughout the speed zones. The changes would impact more than 63,000 registered boats, causing economic harm to coastal economies and the boating and fishing industries.
AMI and ORR Hails America’s Outdoor Recreation Act - May 18, 2023
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee recently passed the America’s Outdoor Recreation Act, the first such legislation specifically aimed at the $862 billion outdoor recreation industry.
"AORA, the first-of-its-kind recreation packaged dedicated directly to the outdoor recreation industry, will expand access and improve infrastructure on Federal Lands and Waters. This piece of legislation is essential to get more Americans outdoors and on American lakes and rivers," said Eric Kretsch, AMI's Legislative Coordinator, "AMI is looking forward to AORA's quick passage through Congress."
“We are so thrilled AORA continues to move forward in Congress, showcasing how the outdoor recreation economy transcends politics and benefits all Americans who enjoy the outdoors,” Jessica Wahl Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, said in a statement. “We … look forward to its continued progress through Congress this year.”
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, outdoor recreation contributes nearly 2% of national GDP and generates 4.5 million jobs.
“America’s Outdoor Recreation Act will bolster outdoor recreation access and opportunities for millions of Americans who continue to discover the benefits of the great outdoors and time spent on our nation’s lands and waters,” NMMA president and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer said.
Added Glen Hughes, president of the American Sportfishing Association: “The America’s Outdoor Recreation Act is a comprehensive set of provisions to ensure our public lands are well-managed and conserved to benefit the outdoor recreation economy and all those who love the outdoors.”
AMI attends American Boating Congress; participates in Congressional Hill Meetings - May 10, 2023
AMI's Legislative and Outreach Coordinator, Eric Kretsch, lead the Rhode Island delegation on Capitol Hill visiting the offices of Senator Jack Reed, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, and Representative David Cicilini. AMI discussed the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strick Reduction Rule, changes to the Clean Vessel Act, the LAKES Act, and the PREPARE Act with Rhode Island's representatives.
AMI has co-hosted the American Boating Congress since 2016 along with other marine trades associations.
A full report out from the 2023 American Boating Congress will be available in the May 2023 AMI Advocate available in a few weeks. AMI will update this page with a link to that edition. If you have any questions about ABC or AMI’s Advocacy work please reach out to Eric Kretsch at ekretsch@marinaassociation.org.
Learn more about the American Boating Congress here. To learn more about AMI’s Advocacy work look here.
AMI to co-host and attend the American Boating Congress next week - May 4, 2023
The Association of Marina Industries is a co-host of the 2023 American Boating Congress the only national advocacy event for the Boating Industry, hosted by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). AMI staff will be in attendance and lead a team on Capitol Hill to discuss the most pressing issues facing our industry with Congressional staff and leaders.
Highlights of the event include a BoatPAC reception, seminars on the most important legislative topics, and Congressional Hill Meetings. Congressional Hill Meetings will take place May 10 from 9 AM – 2 PM; over 100 members of the recreational boating industry will meet with members of Congress to discuss topics like the PREPARE Act, the Right Whale boating restrictions, and other topics.
Learn more about the American Boating Congress here. To learn more about AMI’s Advocacy work look here.
ORR Releases April Roundtable Roundup - April 27, 2023
AMI is a proud founding member of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. Here is what went on at ORR in April 2023.
ORR Meets with Confluence of States -- ORR staff joined several state Office of Outdoor Recreation (OREC) directors for Confluence of States meetings in Maryland and Washington, D.C. earlier this month. ORR and state directors met with federal agency leadership and Members of Congress to discuss how they can strengthen existing partnerships and bring new state Offices of Outdoor Recreation online.
ORR President Speaks at TRCP Awards Dinner -- ORR President Jessica Turner spoke at the 15th annual Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Capital Conservation Awards Dinner earlier this month. The event honored Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Congressman Blake Moore (R-UT), former National Wild Turkey Federation CEO and ORR member Becky Humphries, and Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever President and CEO Howard Vincent.
Turner presented Senator Manchin with the James D. Range Conservation Award and thanked him for his constant support of the outdoor recreation economy. This includes introduction of the America’s Outdoor Recreation Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that would transform how Americans access their public lands and waters. For more.
AMI signs-on to LAKES Act Letter of Support - April 27, 2023
AMI joined other associations in support of the LAKES Act. The Lake Access Keeping Economies Strong Act is bipartisan bill that would improve outdoor recreation facilities in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)-managed areas, provide new opportunities for public-private investments, and give local districts more flexibility to reinvest their resources.
“Because of discrepancies in federal law, managers of some of North Dakotans’ favorite outdoor recreation sites have to get approval from Washington to initiate operations and maintenance projects. And, unlike every other federal land management agency, the Army Corps cannot retain recreation fees at the sites where they’re collected,” said Senator Cramer. “This makes no sense. Our bipartisan bill would keep resources and decision-making closer to home, while providing new opportunities for private investment in our recreation facilities.”
“This bipartisan legislation will make it possible for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to enter joint management partnerships with Tribes and nonprofits, and it ensures that recreation fees collected at Army Corps lakes stay in the community and actually go toward improving those facilities. These reforms will make a difference to New Mexican families enjoying a cookout at Santa Rosa Lake. They are critical to Abiquiu Lake’s role in managing our Rio Chama water. And they are essential to building partnerships with Tribes and nonprofits as we care for our federal outdoor spaces together,” said Senator Heinrich.
The USACE is one of the nation's largest federal outdoor recreation providers, managing nearly 257,000 facilities across 43 states. Under existing law, local USACE managers cannot retain recreation fee revenues collected onsite, an authority afforded to the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Parks Service. For more. To learn more about the LAKES Act see here.
