AFFTA Conservation Issue Briefing Statement

April 21, 2009

Sportsmen’s Issue: Introducing our country’s next generation of hunters, anglers, and stewards of our hunting and fishing resources. AFFTA is very concerned about declining hunting and fishing participation, and believes the federal government needs to assume an active role to help address this issue.

As recognized long ago, the best stewards of the environment and conservation historically have been those who actively use the resource. In this regard, we feel that participation and conservation go hand in hand.

Of critical importance to AFFTA and the Angling and Boating Alliance is the reauthorization of the Sport Fishing Restoration and Boating Trust Fund (Wallop-Breaux.)
As a key AFFTA partner, the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) represents industry members who respect, enhance, and support the country’s natural resources. We urge the Administration to continue to support RBFF and its reauthorization.

Sportsmen’s Issue: Energy development in the West and its impacts on hunting and fishing habitat. This is a finite issue that is important to both the hunting and fishing industries

AFFTA would like to see that oversight of proposed energy development projects and application of best practices for any future oil and gas development to ensure fish and wildlife impacts are properly considered and mitigated. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the Minerals Management Service need to have a role in addressing future energy development in the West. While there is no question our country needs to develop various energy resources that are available in the West, it is imperative that this is done properly and takes mitigating fish and wildlife impacts into consideration.

AFFTA would like to see that any new law contains legal and funding provisions to help mitigate impacts on fish and wildlife habitat and populations.
AFFTA is especially concerned about the proposed Pebble Mine development in Alaska and how this will affect the Bristol Bay salmon run and the spawning grounds. While the development is proposed to take place on State lands, it is imperative that the federal government weigh in to protect this critical fishery.

Sportsmen’s Issue: Offshore oil drilling and its impacts on hunting and fishing habitat.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA and the Mineral Management Service need to have a role in addressing future energy development in the West. Again, there is no question our country needs to develop various energy resources that are available in the West, it is imperative that this is done properly and takes mitigating fish and wildlife impacts into consideration.

· AFFTA would like to see that oversight of any proposed offshore oil drilling projects and application of best practices for any future offshore oil drilling to ensure fish and wildlife impacts are properly considered and mitigated.

· Additionally, AFFTA would like to see that any new law contains legal and funding provisions to help mitigate impacts on fish and wildlife habitat and populations.

· AFFTA is aware of past efforts to attach a saltwater aquaculture rider to past offshore oil drilling legislation. This is of concern to AFFTA and if this does happen, we would like to see best practices applied and considerable efforts be made to protect native fish stocks.

Sportsmen’s Issue: Climate change affects hunting and fishing populations and habitat. This is a very complex issue that is tough to define. While much science has been done on the impact to fish in the future, more research needs to be done to better understand these impacts and how the government can best respond to protect traditional values like hunting and fishing.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will play a critical role in addressing climate change impacts on fish and wildlife, particularly the Fisheries and Habitat Conservation program. This program is unique within the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in its capabilities to apply a multifaceted approach to resource management that focuses on the innovation and application of science. The program conserves and restores habitat to ensure that fish and wildlife populations are sustained for the benefit of current and future generations of Americans. Fisheries and Habitat Conservation relies on collaboration with State agencies, Tribes, private landowners, industry, other Federal agencies, and the public to achieve its conservation goals and objectives. Increasing support for FHC’s overall science and partnership capabilities will go a long way towards helping the U.S. to best respond to the impacts of climate change on fish and wildlife populations. In particular, helping the Service’s Fisheries Program maintain its national leadership role in conserving fisheries resources impacted by climate change will be a sound investment of federal dollars.

Sportsmen’s Issue: Invasive species impacts on hunting and fishing habitat. AFFTA supports the maintenance of economically and recreationally important sport fish species that aren’t natives and shouldn’t be labeled invasive. However, there are certain invasive and nuisance species that cause significant damage to the ecosystem that must be addressed. Key is the significant economic impact that continues to grow each year. The continued introduction and rapid spread of invasive species could potentially affect the future of our recreational fisheries.

There is a lack of funds in the FWS State Invasive Species grant program. Currently, this program is authorized for $4 million and only $1 million has been appropriated. With more States applying for this funding, this pot of money continues to shrink and make less funding available for each state.

For More Information, Please Contact:

Gary Berlin, President

American Fly Fishing Trade Association