The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) released the results from its first boating industry policy survey. More than 1,500 responded to the survey and the results will play an important role in shaping NMMA’s 2019 legislative policy priorities. According to the survey results, the industry’s top five issues are:

1. Ethanol and fuel (E15)

2. Recreational fishing

3. Tax

4. Trade

5. Boating Safety

Additionally, respondents identified the following issues as priorities:

• Conservation

• Infrastructure

• Workforce

In 2018, NMMA helped introduce legislation to protect consumers from misfuelling with E15 and expand the on-road use of alternative biofuels, such as biobutanol. The industry also celebrated the signing of the Modern Fish Act into law, which expands access for the nation’s 11 million saltwater anglers. NMMA also helped advance top safety priorities in the U.S. Coast Guard reauthorization bill.