While most dealers are consumed with daily operating schedules and problems, their local and state marine trades associations consistently monitor and advance industry input in all regulatory and legislative matters that come up.
Two current examples of the key roles MTAs play are found in Ohio and Washington state.
In the Buckeye State, the Ohio Marine Trades Association is engaged as the final days of the state legislature wrap up before the summer break. Within a capital spending package is a provision for $298.2 million for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for statewide projects, many with boating benefits.
“We monitor all the actions in Columbus 24/7,” says OMTA president Michelle Burke. “We travel to the capital to testify whenever appropriate, and we alert our members when their direct action is deemed essential. And happily, we’re mostly successful.”
For example, OMTA is testifying against legislation that would eliminate a requirement that water-skiers have a spotter aboard. In addition, it continues to push for passage of a bill in the Ohio Senate that includes provisions to double Boater Safety Education Grants from $30,000 to $60,000. They’re also lobbying for a statewide designation of April as Powerboat Safety Month, with a focus on carbon monoxide.
OMTA has also been blitzing lawmakers with its latest Ohio Boating Industry Economic Report, which identifies Buckeye boating as generating $6.4 billion in economic impact annually, and more than 315 million hours of human participation in boating.
Elsewhere, the Northwest Marine Trade Association is monitoring regulatory and legislative matters that could impact members.
An important Boater Engagement Workshop today and Sept. 12 addresses the Southern Resident Killer Whale Recovery program, and NMTA members are urged to weigh in and encourage their customers to do the same.
Many MTA leaders serve on important committees and advocacy groups. NMTA president and CEO George Harris serves on the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife’s Orca Regulations Communications Advisory Group.
This group is seeking input from the boating community to form an education, outreach and communications program related to Southern Resident killer whales. The critical task now is communicating new regulations that require boats observe a 1,000-yard setback from the whales, effective in January 2025.
A Center for Whale Research census in 2022 recorded the Southern Resident killer whale population at just 73 individuals. First listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 2005, the whales face three main threats: lack of food, contaminants in their food, and vessel noise and disturbance. The latter is known to affect how orcas forage and communication using echolocation.
Expanded regulations raise many questions for dealers and their customers. The importance of representation in groups like the Orca Regulations Communications Advisory Group cannot be overstated. Moreover, workshops like these are an opportunity for dealers and boaters to share concerns and communicate suggestions.
NMTA is today urging all its members to help spread the word to customers, encouraging needed input from boaters and anglers, about these important upcoming workshops. They can and will influence policy decisions.
Not a member of your local MTA? It’s tine to get in the game.
