Sportfishing Industry Pleased with Withdrawal of Vessel Speed Rule, More Work to be Done Alexandria, VA. – January 15, 2025

 

For Immediate Release Rob Shane Communications Manager 614-371-3270 American Sportfishing Association Sportfishing Industry Pleased with Withdrawal of Vessel Speed Rule, More Work to be Done Alexandria, VA. – January 15, 2025 –  Today, NOAA Fisheries formally withdrew a proposed rule that would have had dire consequences on public access to fishing along much of the eastern seaboard. The North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule, originally published in the Federal Register in 2022, would have limited vessels larger than 35 feet from traveling faster than 10 knots (11.5 mph). The proposed speed restrictions would have governed coastal waters from Massachusetts to Florida and been in effect for roughly half the year.  “ASA is pleased to see the draconian vessel speed rule sent back to NOAA so that we can find a collaborative, long-term solution that effectively mitigates the potential for vessel strikes and incorporates innovative safety technologies,” said Mike Leonard, Vice President of Government Affairs at the American Sportfishing Association (ASA). “Restricting boat speeds off the Atlantic Coast would have crushed the sportfishing industry and many coastal communities that rely on fishing and boating to support their economy.” From its inception, the proposed rule was based on faulty science. Restricting speeds in open waters would make vessels vulnerable to capsizing, or worse, due to the inability to safely navigate through rough seas or evade incoming storms.  In creating this proposal, NOAA largely ignored technologies that could help reduce vessel strikes, such as passive acoustic monitoring, infrared cameras, satellite imagery, marine radar, forward-facing sonar, and crowdsourcing on the water observations. These technologies exist today and could be scaled quickly to provide real benefits for marine life, anglers, and boaters.  “We look forward to working with the Trump Administration, Congress, and other stakeholders to protect North Atlantic right whales, anglers, boaters, and the $230 billion sportfishing industry”, added Leonard.” Thanks to the efforts of allies in Congress, the sportfishing industry, our partners, and the recreational fishing community, this burdensome and overreaching proposal has been shelved for the time being and we can collectively focus on what steps must come next to improve marine conservation and preserve public access. ### The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is the sportfishing industry's trade association committed to representing the interests of the sportfishing and boating industries as well as the entire sportfishing community. We give the industry and anglers a unified voice when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing itself. ASA invests in long-term ventures to ensure the industry will remain strong and prosperous, as well as safeguard and promote the enduring economic, conservation and social values of sportfishing in America. ASA also gives America's 55 million anglers a voice in policy decisions that affect their ability to sustainably fish on our nation's waterways through Keep America Fishing, our national angler advocacy campaign. America's anglers generate more than $50 billion in retail sales with a $230 billion impact on the nation's economy creating employment for 1.1 million people.

MCFF First Annual Redfish Tournament -- 11 Jan 2025

 A challenging morning on the water has turned in to a beautiful day for a cookout at our first annual MCFF Redfish Tournament! Fantastic turnout and great to see our members come together for a fun event! 

Hobie® Eyewear "Hull Float" Sunglasses - Press Release 08 January 2025

 

Hobie® Eyewear Unveils "Hull Float" Sunglasses: Sustainability Meets Superior Performance

Oceanside, CA (January 8, 2024) - As environmental protection takes center stage, creating sustainable products from upcycled materials is more vital than ever. Hobie® Eyewear proudly introduces its latest innovation, the Hull Float sunglasses, designed for eco-conscious anglers and water adventurers who value sustainability, performance, and durability. The Hull Float sunglasses are crafted with frames made from 100% upcycled scrap plastic, a byproduct of the Hobie® Kayak product process. Unlike traditional recycled materials, broken down into raw components, upcycled materials repurpose discarded resources directly into new products. This innovative approach minimizes waste while maximizing functionality. The bio-based polarized lenses incorporate castor oil-derived materials, further reducing environmental impact. A standout feature of the Hull Float sunglasses is their ability to float in water, ensuring easy retrieval if dropped—a practical solution for fishermen and aquatic adventurers alike. The polarized lenses provide superior visual clarity, reduce glare, and enhance comfort in diverse aquatic environments. “The Hull Float style embodies Hobie’s unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability, showcasing our determination to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Stephen Vaughan, Hobie® Eyewear’s Senior Director for Product Development. “With Hull Float, we’ve pushed beyond conventional materials and techniques to create a truly sustainable sunglass.”

Bassmaster Elite Series angler Carl Jocumsen wearing the new Hull Float Sunglasses by Hobie® Eyewear

Hobie® Eyewear is also partnering with the American Sportfishing Association to donate a portion of the proceeds from all Hull Float sunglasses sales to the FishAmerica Foundation, ASA’s conservation and research foundation. Since 1983, the FishAmerica Foundation has awarded $12.1 million to 1,007 projects in all fifty states and Canada to enhance fish populations, restore fishery habitats, improve water quality, and advance fishery research to improve sportfishing opportunities and help ensure recreational fishing’s future.  “The FishAmerica Foundation, powered by the American Sportfishing Association, is excited to partner with Hobie® Eyewear in supporting their new Hull Float sunglasses,” commented Mary Beth Long, Vice President of Communications for the American Sportfishing Association. “Made of upcycled kayak plastic, this new line of eyewear aligns perfectly with FishAmerica’s conservation-focused mission.”

The new Hull Float sunglasses by Hobie® Eyewear being worn by professional kayak angler Kristine Fischer

“Hull Float began as an ambitious, out-of-the-box idea that once seemed unattainable,” stated Dylan Coates, Marketing Manager for Hobie® Eyewear. “After years of testing and development, we’ve brought it to life — a groundbreaking achievement not just for the eyewear industry, but for the fishing community as well. By utilizing upcycled materials, partnering with the FishAmerica Foundation to support vital environmental initiatives, and actively contributing to waterway cleanup efforts, we’ve taken a comprehensive approach to sustainability. Hull Float reflects Hobie® Eyewear’s continued commitment to protecting the aquatic environments we all cherish.”

Hull Float with Sightmaster™ Plus lens Hull Float with Grey/Cobalt Blue Mirror lens

Hull Float with Copper/Green Mirror lens Hull Float with Grey lens

Specifications Frames: Satin Black frames made from upcycled kayak plastic Lenses: Bio-based polarized lenses with hydro/oleophic coatings for easy cleaning in the following tints… Grey Polarized Copper Polarized with Sea Green Mirror Grey Polarized with Cobalt Blue Mirror Sightmaster™ Plus for low light conditions Hard Case: Protective hard case which is also produced from upcycled kayak plastic Microfiber Case: For cleaning lenses without the risk of scratches Dimensions Eye Size: 63 mm Bridge Size: 17mm Temple Length: 129mm Lens Curve: 8 Base For more information on the FishAmerica Foundation, visit https://fishamerica.org. Discover how Hobie® Eyewear is redefining its vision on the water by visiting hobieeyewear.com.

As the exclusive licensee for Hobie® Eyewear, Eyeking LLC stands as a multi-generational, award-winning design firm dedicated to crafting and delivering distinctive eyewear globally. Specializing in private label and licensed eyewear, Eyeking LLC fosters the evolution of Hobie® Eyewear, a brand inspired by the legendary waterman Hobie Alter. This sunglasses collection is tailored for outdoor enthusiasts, water sports athletes, and those passionate about adventure. Since 1982, our extensive line of performance polarized sunglasses has consistently upheld a legacy of cutting-edge vision technology and design focused on enhancing performance. Committed to excellence and driven by a shared love for enriching outdoor experiences, Eyeking LLC and Hobie® Eyewear jointly shape the future of performance eyewear. Explore the collection at www.eyeking.com or www.hobieeyewear.com for more information.

For more information, please visit  WWW.HOBIEEYEWEAR.COM