The National Marine Manufacturers Association’s annual American Boating Congress kicked off yesterday in Washington, D.C. On the agenda was an industry update from NMMA president and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer, a briefing on the organization’s advocacy priorities, the presentation of awards and a Whale and Vessel Safety Task Force discussion panel.
“We come together every year here in D.C. to tell our unique story,” Hugelmeyer said. “When we join like this and go to Capitol Hill, the impact is huge.”
Hugelmeyer continued, saying the industry is clearly in a normalization phase following the Covid period, when builders saw a huge spike in boat sales as people sought to get outdoors. “We’re in the pursuit-of-happiness business,” he said. “When people have to choose what is important to them, outdoor recreation makes the cut.”
The NMMA leader also highlighted some challenges. “The outdoor economy remains strong, though we’re seeing headwinds like inflation, high interest rates, decreased consumer confidence and higher labor costs,” he said.
Hugelmeyer also touched on NOAA’s proposed right whale speed restrictions, which would restrict boats 35 feet and larger to 11 mph along much of the Eastern Seaboard for up to seven months of the year.
“There will be a decision on the matter in the next 30 days,” he said. “Either the proposed rule will be withdrawn, or we enter a legal battle. It’s not something we want to do. Similar lawsuits have cost upward of $10 million, but we can’t allow this rule to stand if it is approved. We know that commerce and conservation can coexist.”
Next up was a briefing on the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act, or EXPLORE, which unanimously passed the House in April. The legislation would improve access to the outdoors and modernize recreation infrastructure.
“When does a piece of legislation pass through the House unanimously these days? Never,” Hugelmeyer commented. “The reason we want to pass this legislation is so we can get it reauthorized every three years. It’s part of a big, important long game in the access area.”
Last, Hugelmeyer talked about the industry being a champion of sustainability. “Last year we partnered with ICOMIA to release a study that examined ways for our industry to decarbonize,” he said. “There is no one-size-fits-all solution. The study showed that using sustainable fuels in the 12 million boats in the market will reduce our carbon footprint by 30% if we successfully implement it. This is the direction we need to move.”
Industry recognitions were presented next, starting with the Hammond Marine Industry Leadership Award, given by the NMMA Foundation for Recreational Boating Safety, Education and Environmental Awareness. The award recognizes individuals who help grow and protect the marine industry through advocacy and demonstrate dedication to the long-term health of boating — achieving greater sales, stopping unwanted government regulations or seeking needed government regulation, or otherwise helping and benefiting the industry as a whole.
This year’s honoree is Capt. Freddy Gamboa of Andreas’ Toy Charters, who has been a vocal advocate in pushing back against right whale speed restrictions.
“I encourage my fellow boaters to get involved and help make a difference,” Gamboa said. “It is in all of our best interests to protect our rights and to continue to be stewards of the sea.”
Jeff Angers, president of the Center for Sportfishing Policy, presented this year’s Eddie Smith Manufacturer of the Year Award. The recognition, named after the former chairman and CEO of Grady-White Boats, was established by CSP to honor individuals who demonstrate a commitment to conservation in the marine industry. This year’s winner is Pat Healey, Viking Yacht Co. president and CEO.
“Like Eddie Smith, Pat Healey embodies the spirit of this award through his transformative leadership, uniting stewardship of America’s fishery resources with industry-leading manufacturing,” Angers said. “Pat’s unwavering commitment has unified our industry against bad federal policy, including overly restrictive regulations. He has cemented his legacy with straight talk and strong leadership for America’s recreational fishing and boating community.”
In receiving the award, Healey said that “this is an incredible industry. I want to thank my father and my uncle, being founders in this industry, who made me what I am today. I also want to thank our 2,000 boatbuilders at Viking.”
A panel discussion updating the efforts of the Whale and Vessel Safety Task Force followed, moderated by Viking director of government affairs John DePersenaire. Sitting on the panel were Dr. Taylor Shropshire of Fathom Science, Mark Reedenauer with NMEA, Todd Tally with Atlantic Marine Electronics, Matt Zimmerman with FarSounder, Hernando Giraldo of SEA AI, Shaun Ridge with Garmin, and Stephen Thomas of Navico Group.
The panel highlighted technologies that are widely accessible today to a large swath of the boating public that can be used today to mitigate whale strikes. Among the technologies discussed were the Automatic Identification System, artificial intelligence, smartphone and tablet apps, electronic cartography and advanced sensors.
“The point we need to get across when we talk to representatives this week is that these tools are available and working today and accessible to recreational boaters,” DePersenaire said. “These tools can significantly reduce right whale encounters with boats and are a viable alternative to the speed restrictions.”
ABC continues today with visits to meet with representatives on Capitol Hill, followed by dinner and keynote speakers Mike Allen and Alex Thompson of Axios. Trade Only Today reporting will continue tomorrow.
