About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, June, 22, 2022 – Chad Tokowicz, Government Relations Manager for the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas testified in front of the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD) board in support of fair and equitable boating access on the state of Minnesota’s most populous boating destination. Tokowicz joined representatives from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA) to highlight the positive contribution wake surfing makes to the Lake Minnetonka community and the importance of access for all types of recreational boating activities.

In Minnesota, where boating reigns as the supreme warm-weather activity, wake surfing and the regulations surrounding the sport are a hot topic. The LMCD Board’s meeting, coined as a listening session, kicked off the process to evaluate whether additional restrictions are needed on Lake Minnetonka. The Board, established by the Minnesota State Legislature in 1967, is the governing body of Lake Minnetonka and is charged with overseeing regulations, safety, access and much more on the lake. To ensure the LMCD is consistent with its mission, the Board is charged with providing an enjoyable resource for all recreational users while also minimizing user conflict and ecological impact.

Conversations on how wake surfing, which has grown in popularity over the last few years, impacts waterbodies and other recreational users have sprung up across the country, and MRAA and its partners at WSIA and NMMA have been there to contribute their expertise on the subject.

In their remarks to the Board, recreational boating industry representatives focused on three key topics: the immense boating economy supported by Lake Minnetonka’s boating culture; the safety impact of the Wake Responsibly Campaign; and recent industry-led efforts to pass mandatory boater education legislation in Minnesota.

“While the boating industry at large and members of the Lake Minnetonka community appreciate the focus of the LMCD, we hope that the board is able to come to a conclusion that balances access for all types of water sports,” said Tokowicz. “Wake surfing is an important activity for the Lake Minnetonka community and helps support a vibrant recreational boating economy around the lake.”

There was considerable news coverage on the meeting, including feature stories from the "Star Tribune," KSMP- Fox News affiliate, and KSTP - NSBC News affiliate.

As this conversation continues to develop and the board determines what action to take, the MRAA and its industry partners stand committed to advocating for boating access for all. This is just one of the many lakes throughout our nation considering a change to their regulations, if you are aware of any water bodies considering similar ordinances please contact Chad Tokowicz, Government Relations Manager, at Chad@mraa.com or call 978-569-5127.

About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.

Menhaden, small baitfish that are essential in the marine food web, are commercially harvested by a single foreign-owned company, then ground up and “reduced” to make pet food, fish meal and other products.

Organizational & Coalition Support

 Organizations including the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP), American Sportfishing Association, Coastal Conservation Association, Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, and the Virginia Saltwater Sportfishing Association (VSSA) are dedicated to maintaining the health of the Bay, the region’s economy, and the broader marine ecosystem in the Atlantic. The coalition, which represents thousands of anglers and conservationists from Virginia and beyond, sent a letter to Governor Youngkin today asking that reduction fishing for menhaden be moved out of the Bay until science shows that it isn’t having an impact on fish and habitat.

“Our members have witnessed years of decline in our striped bass, and we believe there is a causal relation to the menhaden reduction industry in the Bay,” says Steve Atkinson, President, VSSA. “Large-scale reduction fishing is outlawed by every other state on the East Coast, so it’s high time that Virginia took action.”

The striped bass fishery is the largest marine recreational fishery in the U.S., driving $166 million in recreational fishing activity in Virginia alone. However, the economic value of striped bass fishing to Virginia has declined by over 50 percent in the past decade.

“Industrial menhaden fishing in the Bay has almost wiped out striped bass fishing charters in the fall and winter,” says Bill Pappas, Owner, Playing Hookey Charters in Virginia Beach. “Nobody will book a trip when striped bass fishing is this bad.”

Science Points to Striped Bass Numbers Decline

According to the latest science, menhaden reduction fishing contributes to a nearly 30-percent decline in striped bass numbers coastwide. Omega Protein, part of Cooke Inc., is responsible for this immense menhaden harvest, which is harming the most important striped bass nursery on the East Coast and undermining the sportfishing economy and small businesses throughout the Commonwealth. It is up to Governor Youngkin and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) to implement commonsense regulations until science demonstrates that menhaden fishing can be allowed without negatively affecting the broader Bay ecosystem.

“Boating and fishing in the Chesapeake Bay are primary drivers of business for boat dealers across Virginia and largely depend on a robust menhaden population and strong striped bass fishery,” says Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager. “For that reason, the MRAA and our Virginia members hope that Governor Youngkin will support small businesses and the state’s outdoor recreation economy by ending menhaden reduction fishing in the Chesapeake.”

A Call for Change

Local and national groups are calling on their Virginia members, as well as boaters and anglers across the East Coast, to push for change.

“Virginia has an immense responsibility to the Bay ecosystem and anglers up and down the East Coast, where recreational fishing for striped bass is a way of life,” says Whit Fosburgh, President and CEO, TRCP. “We’re making sure that there is national attention on this effort to move menhaden reduction fishing out of the Bay, an iconic fishing destination in its own right, and working closely with fisheries managers in the Atlantic and Gulf to account for the critical role of menhaden in the marine food chain.”

See the petition that fishing and boating groups are circulating now through October, when the VMRC has an opening to change menhaden regulations.

Read the coalition's letter to Youngkin.


Important Facts for Media:
     • Reduction fishing for menhaden is the industrial harvest of an oily baitfish that is then ground up and "reduced" for use in pet food and other products.
     • This practice contributes to a nearly 30-percent decline in Atlantic striped bass.
     • Virginia is the only East Coast state where reduction fishing for menhaden has not been outlawed.
     • A single foreign-owned company, Omega Protein, removes more than 100 million pounds of menhaden every year from the Chesapeake Bay, the most important striped bass nursery on the East Coast.
     • The striped bass stock has been struggling to recover for over a decade, affecting fishing opportunities and coastal businesses.
     • Anglers are complying with an 18-percent reduction in striped bass harvest, with more cuts expected this year.
     • Omega Protein would still be able to harvest menhaden in state and federal waters.
     • A coalition of 11 national and 10 Virginia-based groups is urging Governor Glenn Youngkin — and the Youngkin-appointed Virginia Marine Resources Commission — to regulate menhaden reduction fishing in the Chesapeake Bay.

About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.

“ABC is one of the most important events for the recreational boating industry, as it is our chance to put the spotlight on our industry and its top priorities,” said Chad Tokowicz, Government Relations Manager, MRAA. “I thank each attendee of ABC for coming and participating in Hill meetings. It presents an opportunity to provide a genuine request and helps move the needle when Members of Congress and their staff hear directly from their constituents.”

Conversations with lawmakers focused around alleviating supply chain hiccups, moving forward the PREPARE Act, addressing workforce and more. MRAA staff and members, and state Marine Trade Association partners were integral in driving forward the conversation on workforce, which naturally arose during conversations, as shortages are felt across the nation in a variety of industries.

“Every business owner in the industry understands that the marine industry is in a workforce crisis. We simply do not have enough new skilled workers entering the workforce to match up with those we are losing,” said Wendy Mackie Director of Workforce and Foundation Development for MRAA. “Our workforce concerns resonated with Members of Congress and their staff, as these issues persist throughout many industries today. Conversations focused on the current workforce need, and also included generating support for MRAA’s workforce development efforts.”

Recently, the MRAA applied for a workforce development grant through the US Department of Labor’s “Apprenticeship Building America” Grant Program. Read the press release to learn more.

Despite ABC taking place during the second week of May, one of the busiest times of year for MRAA members, we encourage you to participate next year! If you have any questions about ABC, how to get involved or want to learn more about advocacy, email Tokowicz at Chad@mraa.com.

About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.

Currently, there are more than 825,000 registered boats on Minnesota waters, making it second to Florida. Furthermore, boater sales skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, putting an unprecedented number of new boaters on the water and emphasizing the need for more boater education.

“While Minnesota boasts the second most registered boats in the country, where we are falling behind is in boater education and safety training,” says Jill C. Sims, Manager of Great Lakes Policy and Engagement, NMMA. “Of the top 10 boating states by registration, Minnesota is the only state that does not require boater education that extends beyond youth. The recreational boating industry has long championed proactive education measures and this move from the Minnesota legislature is a great step toward ensuring our boaters are safe on and near the water.”

Boater education in Minnesota is supported not only by the recreational boating and fishing industry, but also law enforcement and by conservation, environment and lake association organizations like the Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocate and MNCOLA. This bill will better align boating with other recreational products in Minnesota by creating an accessible education course for boaters while also tailoring the course to deliver key messages for Minnesota residents, like how to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species.

If you have any questions about SF 3392, or would like to learn more, contact Chad Tokowicz, Government Relations Manager, MRAA, or click one of the links below:
- Boater Education One Pager
- Coalition Letter of Support
- Fishing and Boating Organizations Letter of Support

About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.

HF 1156, or the “Digital Fair Repair Act,” falls into the broad category of “Right to Repair” legislation and in short, would give consumers unfettered access to source code and programmable features of electronics, including marine engines. While the intent of the legislation is to allow consumers to do their own repairs — which marine dealers already facilitate — it poses a myriad of safety, emissions and liability concerns.

“We are committed to helping our customers do their own repairs and offer free user manuals and feature a comprehensive parts store chock full of OEM and aftermarket parts,” says Steve Chesky. “Unfortunately, HF 1156 would make it possible for consumers to void important safety and emissions features programmed into marine engines. Not only would the removal of safety features potentially harm boaters, but also they would cause issues for retailers who buy and sell pre-owned vessels. Making it nearly impossible for us to assure that the next customer is receiving a vessel that has not been tampered with.”

Chesky, a long-time advocate for Minnesota boat dealers, previously spoke against Right to Repair legislation in 2019. Lori Sanborn, Owner of Handberg’s Marina in Crane Lake, Minn., also added her voice to the choir of marine businesses detesting the legislation.

“Handberg’s Marina has been serving the Crane Lake area for over 96 years, and HF 1156 could not only endanger our customers, but also tarnish the reputation of our business,” says Sanborn. “For nearly 100 years, Handberg’s has been dedicated to getting folks on the water and creating lasting memories on Crane Lake. The last thing we want is for customers to make potentially harmful modifications to their boats and ruin what otherwise would be a fun-filled day with friends and family.”

Minnesota dealers stepped up to highlight the safety issues and liability concerns, while the National Marine Manufacturers Association also highlighted the issue the bill presents for the manufacturers of marine engines and components.

“In order to comply with the Clean Air Act and EPA mandates, recreational marine engine manufacturers cannot provide access to pollution control devices, something that HF 1156 makes possible,” says Jill C. Sims, Manager of Great Lakes Policy and Engagement for the NMMA. “HF 1156 requires manufacturers to give the general public access to these ‘locked’ sections of software and emission controls, however, manufacturers simply cannot, under federal law, facilitate access to these protected areas.”

To reinforce industry opposition, MRAA also submitted testimony, which can be found here. While the MRAA supports the intent of the legislation, we cannot support it as currently drafted due to the safety and emissions implications, as well as the potential burden it could place on our members. The MRAA will continue to monitor and provide updates on HF 1156. If you have any questions or would like to get engaged in advocacy, contact Chad Tokowicz, Government Relations Manager, at Chad@mraa.com or 978-569-5127.

About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-80

Indiana’s Senate Bill 187 (SB 187), introduced by Senator Susan Glick (R-13), passed in the state Senate last week with a vote of 40-6. SB 187 has the broad support of the recreational boating industry, including the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA) and the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA).

This bill is an important step to protecting MRAA member businesses in Indiana and nationwide. Recently, wakesurfing has been scrutinized by a variety of stakeholders and faced proposed regulations to severely restrict the activity. The popularity of wake boats has soared in the last few years and, through shared info from our members, we understand that improved sales figures have also been bolstered by these high-grossing vessels. In an effort to cultivate a member-friendly business environment and assure the fast-growing recreational pastime remains accessible, MRAA and its industry partners are dedicated to advocating for policy to increase user safety.

SB187 will establish important and sensible safety measures, in addition to aligning wakesurfing and wakeboarding with other watersports. SB187 will:
• Clearly and appropriately define the activities of wakeboarding and wakesurfing.
• Prohibit wakeboarding and wakesurfing at night.
• Prohibit wakesurfing behind a vessel in which the propeller extends beyond the transom or swim platform.
• Align the activity of wakesurfing and wakeboarding on small public freshwater lakes (70-300 acres) to be consistent with the lakes speed limit exemption, which will establish unity and consistency among watersports.
• Establish a formal petition process for property owners on public freshwater lakes to petition the Natural Resource Commission (NRC) to adopt additional regulations. Petitions require participation of half the abutting property owners and a public hearing.

The bill, sponsored by Representative David Abbott (R-82), now heads to the House, will be assigned to the Natural Resources Committee and await a hearing. MRAA, alongside WSIA and NMMA, will work alongside the Indiana General Assembly to pass this bill to ensure the needs of the recreational boating industry are met.

Indiana members are encouraged to take action on the industry’s grassroots advocacy platform, Boating United, and write to Indiana lawmakers requesting support for this crucial bill that will keep Indiana’s waters safe for future generations.

Additional information on SB 187 can be viewed here
If you have any additional questions or are interested in getting engaged in Indiana, or your state, email Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager.

About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, contact us at 763-315-8043.

• Reauthorizes the $750 million Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund — a user-pay, user-benefit system, and the backbone of aquatic conservation projects across the country.
• $10 billion to support U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) recreation infrastructure priorities. (Note: USACE manages 12 million acres of recreation lands and waters, with 256 million American visiting USACE managed recreation sites each year.)
• $455 million annually for five years for the Department of Transportation's Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), which will allow significant improvements to port facilities on coasts, rivers, and the Great Lakes.
• $7 billion for USACE infrastructure priorities, which includes funding for projects on storm damage reduction and coastal storm risk management.
• $4.35 billion for Western water infrastructure, which will promote ecosystem restoration and make boating access more resilient across the West.

The House, which is out on recess and slated to return on Aug. 23, has set its sights on passing the Budget Reconciliation bill before passing the Infrastructure Bill as there is a Sept. 14 deadline. Although still skeletal and requiring further development, the Budget Reconciliation bill aims to expand Medicare, combat climate change, and boost federal safety net programs. Although this bill is broad in scope, there is a focus on coastal resiliency and funding for Small Business Administration programs, two items that will benefit the recreational boating industry.

Reconciliation, the process by which the $3.5 trillion budget is being moved, is a special procedure that makes legislation easier to pass in the Senate. Instead of needing 60 votes to exit the Senate, these bills only need a simple majority. Each year, Congress sets total spending, revenues, the surplus or deficit, and the public debt. Reconciliation directs committees to recommend changes in spending, revenues, deficits, and/or the debt limit. Next, committees are provided with buckets of funding and may choose to increase costs in some areas as well as reduce costs in others so long as the net budgetary effect of a committee proposals is in line with its instruction. These recommendations are then sent to the Budget Committee who then reports these to the House floor.

Reconciliation is currently still in its early stages and the bill will go through a variety of changes as both the House and Senate make edits throughout the process. MRAA will continue to provide updates on the bill and specific provisions that will benefit marine businesses and the recreational boating industry.

About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.

• Roughly $10 billion to support US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) infrastructure priorities, which includes a dedicated amount for repairing damages to USACE projects caused by natural disasters, helping to provide updates for key recreational areas;
• $455 million annually for five years for the Department of Transportation's Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), which will allow significant improvements to port facilities on coasts, rivers, and the Great Lakes;
• $5 million annually for five years for the Marine Highways Program funds, which will work to expand the use of America's navigable waters and expand marine highway service options; and
• $429 million for US Coast Guard infrastructure priorities, which includes funding for shore construction infrastructure and facility deficiency needs that the Coast Guard relies on to provide services and protect the public.

The Direct Forgiveness Portal can be accessed here and additional information and instructions on how to use the portal can be found here.

About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, contact us at 763-315-8043.

1. Grant paid time off for employees to get vaccinated.
2. Instruct any workers who are infected, unvaccinated workers who have had close contact with someone who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and all workers with COVID-19 symptoms to stay home from work.
3. Implement physical distancing for unvaccinated and otherwise at-risk workers in all communal work areas.

• Operating Expenditures
• Property damage costs
• Supplier costs
• Worker protection expenditures

"Thank you members for working tirelessly to keep your families, staff and customers safe, all of your hard work is finally paying off! We can’t wait to reunite with you all!," - Boating Ontario shared in its news about the reopening plan.

It was reported the public health and health care indicators are improving and vaccination rates have surpassed targets from Ontario's Roadmap to Reopen model, so the provincial government, with consult from the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is moving the province into Step Three tomorrow.

Read the full release from Ontario Newsroom.