Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/459961
February 2015 | Boating Industry | 41 www.BoatingIndustry.com /// Market Trends /// nent, the bill could have a chance of passing. However, even with the new Republican- controlled 114th Congress under way, increasing interest in the 2016 presidential election could decrease an appetite in Congress to pass com- plex legislation, such as the MSA. Jeff Gabriel, legislative counsel for the Na- tional Marine Manufacturer's Association, says anyone concerned about MSA reauthorization should contact their representatives, regard- less of their party, to express the importance of this legislation. "[The fishing boat community] should never underestimate that the greatest lobbying force in this country is the American people them- selves and they most certainly have the collec- tive power to influence the direction and flavor of the 114th Congress," said Gabriel. The inclusion of the Morris-Deal Commis- sion, which addresses the needs of the recre- ational fishing community, in the reauthorization is of utmost importance. "Be mindful that recreational fishing is now competing with commercial fishing when it comes to government regulation," said Truslow. "Politicians need to understand that good science that will allow the fish to survive is essential." "As boat dealers and boat manufacturers we should be very concerned if Magnuson-Stevens isn't made more friendly to the 11 million fishing hobbyists and the businesses that cater to them such as boat dealers and boat manufacturers," said Wallace. "Statistically, sport fishing has a greater economic impact than the commercial fishing in- dustry, and if this isn't recognized in Washington it will have an adverse effect on our businesses." You can receive alerts on MSA reautho- rization and other issues by signing up at www.boatingunited.com. Concerns exist not just at the national level – local markets are also experiencing restrictions. Access to certain species of fish is becoming lim- ited in areas such as Florida and the Northeast U.S., which is concerning for the fishing boat segment as consumers have less capability to participate in the sport they love. "It is incumbent upon all of us to be aware of any type of agency that make be looking to re- strict our right to fish – either to take it completely away in an area or to restrict it," said Maxwell. Truslow recommends everyone become in- volved in their local markets to directly address these issues. A potential fishing ban that exists in Everglades National Park is deeply concern- ing to Truslow and he notes that bans of that type could arise in other regions. He also be- lieves everyone should actively engage in local conservation efforts. An optimistic future Ultimately, a large number of fishing boat OEMs list any concerns about reaching consumers as minute. The outlook on the fishing boat seg- ment is overwhelmingly optimistic and as long as manufacturers continue to create quality products that meet the various needs of the con- sumer, the segment will remain strong. "What our customer continues to expect from us is the legendary ride, which our name has been build on, the fit and finish of our product, and the reliability of our product and the engines that we partner with. … He expects us to give him certainly some parts of technology but his primary focus is that 'I want to get there comfortably, safely and I want to return the same way,'" said Maxwell. "The dealer and the manufacturer must part- ner very closely to make sure that, on our side, we don't produce something that's a problem, and if there is a problem either caused by something we've not done or damage caused by a customer, that we get him quickly back on the water." "We don't really have any bigger concerns other than … [making] a good product for the consumer to use," said Sass. "There's a future there for the fishing boat market. [The question is] where do you want to go?" Potential fishing bans could be detrimental to the offshore fishing boat segment.