August 13, 2020
A bill to create year-round sportfishing licenses will not be addressed by the California Legislature this year due to the truncated legislative session. Under current law, fishing licenses expire on December 31 of each year regardless of when the license is purchased, which the recreational boating and fishing community are working to fix. “California anglers …
August 12, 2020
The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) published its 60th supplement of Standards and Technical Information Reports for Small Craft, which provides the marine industry with the latest in boat building and repair standards. “This year’s supplement contains a much-anticipated technical information report on lithium ion batteries, which provides valuable and much needed guidance to …
August 11, 2020
The details for the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) virtual trade show, IBEX Online: A Virtual Event, are taking shape. Scheduled to launch September 29, the free digital trade show will be built around the concepts of connection, new products and innovation, and education. During the registration process, which will open soon, visitors can …
August 6, 2020
Prior to the August recess, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Elijah E. Cummings Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2020 as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. The bill includes key provisions that would improve the safety of the millions of Americans who take to the water each year. It would mandate the …
August 5, 2020
President Donald Trump signed the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act this week, which is the single largest investment in America’s public lands and waters in decades. The Act addresses two long-standing priorities of the outdoor recreation community. First, it fully funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)–a go-to program for conserving and maximizing outdoor …
August 4, 2020
Just ahead of the August recess, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation approved the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund (Trust Fund)—a program that supports about $650 million annually in fishery restoration and conservation efforts, boating access and infrastructure, as well as fish stocking programs important to recreational anglers. In addition …
July 30, 2020
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) today announced the merger of Grow Boating Inc., the parent company to the Discover Boating consumer brand, into NMMA as part of a redefined strategic partnership between the two organizations. In addition, NMMA in Canada will work with the U.S.-based …
July 29, 2020
With COVID-19 cases increasing around the country, widespread reports of inventory supply issues and Connecticut’s travel restrictions impacting residents from more than 30 states, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has canceled this year’s Progressive® Insurance Norwalk Boat Show at Norwalk Cove Marina, which was scheduled to be held from September 24-27, 2020. Looking ahead …
July 28, 2020
In a bipartisan vote, Congress passed the Great American Outdoors Act–legislation that will stimulate the recreational boating industry and create more safe and sustainable recreation access for all Americans. The bill is expected to be signed by President Trump and addresses two long-standing priorities of the outdoor recreation community. First, it fully funds the Land …
July 23, 2020
The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) announced the publication of a new student workbook to bolster the ABYC Fundamentals of Marine Service Technology textbook and curriculum package for high schools and technical colleges. The workbook will help teachers implement classroom and distance learning with a variety of homework exercises, hands-on job assignments, and links …
