Fishing takes center stage this week - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 13 Aug 2025 08:00 PDT
2025 Special Report on Fishing © National Marine Manufacturers Association
The post-pandemic surge of participation in fishing continues to get record numbers of participants on the water, but data from the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation's (RBFF) 2025 Special Report on Fishing finds churn continues to pose a significant challenge for the industry.
In 2024, 57.9 million Americans ages 6 and up took to the nation's waterways to enjoy recreational fishing, an all-time high 19 percent of the U.S. population. Data also continues to underscore the critical importance of introducing fishing at a young age.
However, beginning August 12 at 11:30 PM, recreational harvest for bluefin tuna in the Atlantic Ocean will be closed for all Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels. This announcement follows an earlier adjustment to the Atlantic bluefin tuna daily retention limits from June 3, then revised again on July 1. ASA is disappointed in NOAA's revised 2025 closure for the bluefin tuna Angling category because of its associated negative economic impacts. This closure threatens revenue, jobs, and fishing opportunities for the sportfishing industry - affecting anglers, charter operators, and coastal businesses. To ensure accuracy, ASA calls for a transparent and thorough review of the 2024 LPS estimates through a formal process involving stakeholders and the Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel.
For sailors, an innovative 11th hour Protocol for the 2027 America's Cup has been agreed between the Challenger of Record and the Defender. It creates a commercial framework for the current and future Cups, eases nationality rules, and has a quota for female sailors.
With a major involvement in providing sailing gear, Vaikobi, the world-renowned brand in performance water sports apparel, is proud to officially launch Vaikobi Custom Teamwear, a bespoke service designed to outfit teams, clubs, and businesses with high-quality, customised technical clothing that delivers both style and performance. Trusted by elite crews and clubs around the globe, Vaikobi's new custom offering allows clients to create their own branded apparel using Vaikobi's cutting-edge garments; engineered for maximum comfort, durability, and on-water performance.
Innovation in our industry continues. In a major breakthrough for marine innovation and sustainability, Florida-based Altitude Water has partnered with RM Design Pro to develop the SXR 68 XL, a 68-foot hybrid yacht that will become the first U.S.-built vessel to generate its own drinking water directly from air using fully integrated atmospheric water generation (AWG) technology. Designed from inception with built-in sustainability, not bolted on, the yacht also features hybrid propulsion, solar regeneration, AI-based controls, and a fully American-made supply chain; delivering off-grid performance without sacrificing luxury or environmental standards.
From Sunpower Yachts International Pty Ltd, a pioneer in luxury solar electric marine technology, proudly announces the global launch of the Sunpower Solar-eJET 3.3m Inflatable Tender, the world's first solar e-jet tender designed to be seamlessly recharged directly from the yacht's solar energy system—eliminating the need for fuel, cables, or shore power.
Mercury Racing® has introduced a new 15-inch Heavy-Duty CMS (Conventional Midsection), built for the Mercury Racing 200R, 300R, and all-new 200 ROS and 300 ROS competition outboards. Purpose-built for high-speed catamarans, tunnel hulls, and certain competition classes, this midsection delivers superior durability, handling, and control through rough-water conditions and aggressive turns.
Stingray Boats, a leading South Carolina boat manufacturer and long-standing economic contributor in the Pee Dee region, proudly hosted U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer, and legislators Congressmen Russell Fry (SC-07) and S.C. State Senator J.D. Chaplin (District 29) on July 31, 2025. The visit was part of a limited multi-stop tour across South Carolina recognizing local businesses that are helping shape a resilient, future-ready workforce.
Always a priority inclusion, The Coast Guard Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to strengthening the Coast Guard community and service by supporting members and families all across the country. Its annual Texas Salutes the Coast Guard event on November 18, 2025, will honor the U.S. Coast Guard aircrews from Air Station Corpus Christi and Air Station Houston for their extraordinary rescue efforts during the devastating Kerr County floods over the Fourth of July weekend, where they helped save more than 245 people from life-threatening conditions.
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Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media