Please select your home edition
Edition




Fishing takes center stage this week - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter

by Peter Rendle 15 Nov 2023 12:00 PST
ASA Atlantic Fisheries Policy Director Mike Waine speaks out on Atlantic boating speed restrictions © American Sportfishing Association

On November 9, members of Congress and their staff heard from American Sportfishing Association (ASA) Atlantic Fisheries Policy Director Mike Waine about how a proposed National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) rule could severely restrict boating access along the Atlantic Seaboard.

Waine's presentation was part of a briefing put together by the bipartisan Congressional Boating Caucus. NOAA's proposed changes will not meaningfully improve protections for the North Atlantic right whale, put boater safety at risk, raise privacy concerns, severely limit boater access to the Atlantic Ocean, and will significantly harm coastal economies and livelihoods.

The National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) is proud to announce an expanded relationship with the ASA at its upcoming 2024 'Passion to Profession' NPAA Conference in Ft. Myers, Florida, January 5 - 7, 2024. (Discounted pre-registration rates are currently in effect but limited capacity is filling up fast.)

"For all of us working to earn a living in the sportfishing industry, networking is critical, and building the relationship between NPAA's diverse membership and ASA is an effective networking strategy. Individual anglers cannot lobby for the future of the sport on their own. They must become part of this larger network," says NPAA President, Pat Neu.

But not forgetting sailing: The 54th edition of the Offshore Racing Congress (ORC) Annual Meeting began on November 10 and lasts through November 14 in Malaga, Spain. This event features meetings of the ORC's Management, Promotion and Development, Offshore Classes and Events, Measurement, and Rating Officers Committees, culminating in the meeting of the ORC Congress on November 14. The meeting's Schedule, Submissions and Agendas are all found online.

Takeovers: The Wichard Group has acquired Australian equipment manufacturer Ronstan, strengthening its leading position in the leisure marine equipment and manufacturing markets.

The Wichard Group, which specialises in the design, manufacture and distribution of products for the marine OEM, aftermarket and industrial markets, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Ronstan, a leading Australian manufacturer of high-quality sailing equipment, industrial and architectural products. This strategic acquisition strengthens the Wichard Group's position as a world leader in the deck fittings sector, while expanding its product portfolio and offering significant growth opportunities in global markets.

Founded in 1953 by Ron Allatt and Stan Lenepveu and headquartered in Braeside, Victoria, Ronstan is renowned for its expertise in the design and manufacture of blocks, winches, track systems and other essential equipment for sailing, boating and water sports. The company has a strong reputation for high-quality, innovative and high-performance products, making it an ideal partner for the Wichard Group.

Expansions: In an effort to better serve a growing number of customers and boat manufacturer partnerships in the United States, Hertz Marine, the renowned Italian producer of marine audio systems and equipment, announced today that its products will now come from the company's U.S. distribution center located in Nashville.

The company's products, including radio control units, speakers, and amplifiers - all specifically designed for the marine environment - will be housed in a 27,000 square-foot facility. Hertz's marine audio offerings will share space with the Lavoce loudspeaker, a second brand of its parent company, Elettromedia Corporation. This collaboration follows Elettromedia's opening of the U.S. distribution facility in Nashville earlier this year.

New Products: Sea-Fire and Fireaway have entered into an agreement to introduce US Coast Guard-approved fixed aerosol fire suppression systems into the marine market under the Sea-Fire AT-series label. Exceptionally compact, the devices are ideal for compartments and spaces containing lithium-ion batteries, or areas that cannot accommodate a traditional fire suppression system, such as generator or compact engine compartments.

Manufactured in the USA, the Sea-Fire AT-series systems feature a patented detection mechanism that automatically discharges the highly effective aerosol agent when ambient temperatures reach fire conditions. The container incorporates double-walled stainless-steel construction rugged enough for nearly all applications. The housing is non-pressurized and sealed with a non-permeable membrane that ruptures upon activation. Upon release, the space is filled with the aerosol that quickly suppresses the fire. The device can also be activated manually.

People news: National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) announced today the hire of Robyn Boerstling as senior vice president of government relations. As chief advocate, Boerstling will oversee the Association's advocacy efforts at the federal, state, and international levels of government on behalf of the $230 billion U.S. recreational boating industry, reporting to Frank Hugelmeyer, NMMA president. Boerstling officially joins the organization on December 1 and is based in NMMA's Washington, D.C. headquarters.

"We are thrilled to welcome Robyn to the NMMA team and to the recreational boating industry. She brings extensive association experience and an impressive track record of strategically navigating challenging public policy on behalf of leading manufacturers," said Hugelmeyer. "She is a strong and highly collaborative leader who will nurture our team and ensure the growth and success of recreational boating."

Boat Fix, a recreational boating telematics company that provides customized solutions for the boating industry through a combination of remote monitoring, GPS tracking, sophisticated geofencing and 24/7 live customer support, announced today the hire of Carl Blackwell to the newly created role of Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).

More Marine Industry News, updated daily, at www.marinebusinessworld.com/NorthAmerica

Stay Positive!
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com

Related Articles

American Sportfishing Association urges action
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America ASA President Glenn Hughes sent a letter to Trump Administration expressing support for its efforts to address global trade imbalances and strengthen U.S. competitiveness, while urging swift action to provide greater certainty and relief for ASA members. Posted on 7 May
Boat Show updates from Sydney and Melbourne
A summary of news relevant to businesses across Oceania The 2025 Sydney Boat Show is here and exhibitor applications are now open. Taking place from 14 to 17 August at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, this exciting new event format puts the marine industry front and centre. Posted on 1 May
Monaco in Hung Hom?
HK Government has big plans for harbourfront development “The yacht economy is not only about having a breakwater - in the cases of Barcelona and Monte Carlo, they have established an industry chain with supporting facilities including maintenance and gadgets.” Posted on 1 May
Tariff rates under further consideration
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America According to an April 23 Wall Street Journal report, President Trump is considering reducing the tariff rate on Chinese imports to 50-65%. Posted on 30 Apr
Women's roles in our industry are undisputed
A summary of news relevant to businesses across Oceania The AMSA invited BIA recently to record a video Q&A to highlight the work of industry to promote women in the boating sector to all Regional Safety Committees around Australia. Posted on 24 Apr
"Steady as she goes" is the industry message
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America As the recreational boating industry faces shifting economic tides, understanding the sentiments of its leaders has never been more critical. Posted on 23 Apr
Easter is a time for industry reflection
A summary of news relevant to businesses across Oceania As Australians prepare to enjoy the Easter long weekend, the Boating Industry Association (BIA) anticipates a surge in recreational boating activity across the nation's waterways. Posted on 17 Apr
Economic pressure affects boat sales
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America As economic headwinds continue to shape consumer sentiment, the latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary report analyzes January 2025 data, offering a look at trends and how 2025 kicked-off ahead of the tariff and trade tensions. Posted on 16 Apr
New Sydney Boat show details to be released
A summary of news relevant to businesses across Oceania The BIA is set to announce details next week on the new Sydney Boat Show to be held over 14-17 August this year at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park. Posted on 10 Apr
More news on tariff introduction dates
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America On April 2, President Trump announced a new set of trade actions, including a 10% baseline tariff on all imported goods, effective April 5. Additional tariffs, including some that range up to 34% on Chinese imports, for example, will take effect April 9. Posted on 9 Apr