The National Marine Manufacturers Association is applauding the passage of the Water Resources Development Act, which allows the Army Corps of Engineers to undertake civilian water transportation and infrastructure projects to prevent flooding and protect wetlands and watersheds. NMMA said the legislation also improves federal efforts to combat aquatic invasive species and funds projects around the country. “We are committed to working alongside our federal, state and local partners to ensure Americans have access to healthy and navigable waterways for years to come,” NMMA senior vice president of government and legal affairs Nicole Vasilaros said in a statement.
The International Game Fish Association released its World Record Game Fishes, and Shimano reels, rods and line took top honors in the IGFA’s annual compilation of world-record tackle. In the freshwater reel category, Shimano ranked first, with 63 records set, the company said in a statement. Shimano also claimed the top spot for saltwater reels, with 130 records. Shimano rods again ranked first, with 78 saltwater records set.
Chaparral, Robalo and Vortex manufacturer Marine Products Corp. reported a 54 percent decrease in net sales for the second quarter, due to a 57.9 percent reduction in units sold compared with the prior year. Unit sales declined in every product category as a result of the suspension of manufacturing for five weeks during the quarter, president and CEO Richard Hubbell said. “During this shutdown, we continued with our research and development efforts, modified our marketing efforts to maintain our presence with dealers and customers, and reduced costs wherever possible,” Hubbell said in a statement. “In addition, we expedited the shipment of as many boats as possible to our dealers to meet high retail demand.”
