Sportfishing Leaders Converge on Washington
ASA Government Affairs committee outlines industry agenda for coming months

During its annual spring meeting, the American Sportfishing Association�s (ASA) Government Affairs
committee discussed a variety of sportfishing policy positions and outlined its agenda for the coming
months. Over the course of the two-day meeting � held March 26-27, in Washington, D.C. � the committee
held briefings with three federal agencies, hosted a panel of key Congressional staff and met with
several Congressional offices.

�Our Government Affairs committee meeting is an important opportunity for industry leaders to sit down
with decision makers whose actions impact both our industry and its fisheries nationwide,� said Gary Zurn,
senior vice president of Industry Relations for Big Rock Sports and ASA�s Government Affairs committee
Chairman. �It�s a wonderful opportunity to explain our posiitons on the industry�s most important issues
and show key decision-makers what sportfishing means to the nation�s economy.�

Some of the top issues discussed included the Modern Fish Act; positions on West coast salmon, aquatic
invasive species, mining and open ocean aquaculture; as well as other legislative and regulatory topics
being monitored by the association. The committee also discussed ways to increase the industry�s reach by
using social media to engage members on issues such as advocacy, conservation and policy. ASA�s Government
Affairs committee is made up of individuals representing a wide range of sportfishing businesses and
associations nationwide. The committee meets face-to-face twice a year to discuss key legislative and
regulatory issues that impact recreational fishing, which helps to shape ASA�s stance and plan of action
over the course of the coming months.

�These meetings are vital to the ongoing relationship between our industry and those whose decisions impact
it,� said Dave Bulthuis, vice president of Government Affairs for Costa and ASA�s Saltwater East Subcommittee
Chairman. �This year�s meeting was one of our most productive ever. While our industry undoubtedly faces
many challenges, I�ve never been more encouraged by the positive direction on which we�re heading regarding
so many important issues affecting fisheries conservation and public access.�

�Thankfully, our industry is well-represented in our Government Affairs committee,� said Scott Gudes, ASA�s
Government Affairs vice president. �Collectively, these leaders in the industry help ASA to ensure our voices
are heard on Capitol Hill and decisions are made with recreational fishing�s best interests in mind.�