Center Focus on Washington brings anglers and boaters to the Hill

The Center for Sportfishing Policy hosted its annual fly-in “Center Focus on Washington,” where recreational anglers and boaters participated in critical discussions with key policymakers over the two-day meeting held May 15-16. As in years past, the Center co-located its fly-in with the American Boating Congress hosted by the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

Key issues for ABC and Center Focus participants:

• Passing the Modern Fish Act to fix the Magnuson-Stevens Act;
• Ensuring robust public access to federally managed waters; Reforming the Renewable Fuel Standard;
• Solving the Gulf red snapper catastrophe; and many others.

These matters were discussed during the course of the fly-in with top administration and Capitol Hill officials, including representatives from the Department of Commerce and the House Natural Resources Committee, among others.

“Members of the Center for Sportfishing Policy and the National Marine Manufacturers Association are among the most effective advocates in the recreational fishing and boating industry,” said Jeff Angers, president of the Center for Sportfishing Policy. “Recreational boating and fishing are key drivers in the $887 billion outdoor recreation economy, and we look forward to working with the Administration and policymakers to ensure continued growth and better public access to our nation’s natural marine resources.”

At the American Boating Congress luncheon on Tuesday, the center honored Dave Pfeiffer with its Eddie Smith Manufacturer of the Year Award. Pfeiffer is the president and CEO of Shimano and a visionary volunteer leader for marine conservation.

“Dave Pfeiffer is committed to sharing his passion for fishing with others and ensuring recreational fishing exists for future generations,” said Angers. “Dave serves as an example of a true leader in conservation, and we honor him for playing an important role in the battle for access to America’s public fishery resources.”

Pfeiffer has served as chairman of the board for the American Sportfishing Association. He is a founding board member and vice chairman of the Coastal Conservation Association of California. He’s a founding board member of the Jose Wejebe Spanish Fly Memorial Foundation. 

The Eddie Smith Manufacturer of the Year award was established by the Center to honor extraordinary commitment to conservation by manufacturers. An icon in marine manufacturing, Smith served on NMMA’s board; the International Game Fish Association board; the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation board, and many other leadership roles. Well known as the owner of Grady White Boats, Smith received the first-ever ASA 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; Grady White Boats’ Kris Carroll; Maverick Boats’ Scott Deal, and Yamaha’s Phil Dyskow.

For more information, visit www.sportfishingpolicy.com.