In the News

The Center for Sportfishing Policy presented awards to influential leaders who have contributed to recreational fishing and boating and marine conservation. The awards were presented yesterday during the association's annual fly-in called "Center Focus on Washington" during the American Boating Congress.

CSP recognized Sen. Roger F. Wicker (R-Miss.) with the Jack Lawton Jr. Conservation Award, named for CSP's founding chairman. "The award is given annually to a trailblazer for marine conservation and angler access, and commemorated with an antique compass," said a CSP statement.

"Sen. Wicker's leadership on the Modern Fish Act in the 115th Congress provided the most significant step forward in federal recreational fisheries management in 40-plus years," said Bob Hayes, chairman of the Center for Sportfishing Policy. "With the Modern Fish Act now law of the land, the wheels are set in motion for the use of alternative management techniques more suitable to recreational fishing and better data collection to inform federal fisheries managers. The marine conservation benefits of these new tools will be felt for years to come, thanks to Sen. Wicker's leadership."

Congressman Garret Graves (R-La.) was named the Conservationist of the Year for championing policies promoting healthy fisheries and access to America's natural marine resources. CSP president Jeff Angers presented Graves with the award at the American Boating Congress.

"As the lead sponsor of the Modern Fish Act in the House, Congressman Graves' leadership was instrumental in pushing this historic legislation across the finish line with bipartisan support last session," Angers said at ABC.

CSP honored NMMA president Thom Dammrich with the Eddie Smith Manufacturer of the Year Award for his dedication to the boating industry and his commitment to angler access and marine conservation. Shimano USA president Dave Pfeiffer, 2017 Eddie Smith Manufacturer of the Year, presented the award.

"Thom Dammrich took the helm as president of NMMA … and set a course for boating to be represented at every table where recreational boating and fishing decisions are made," Angers said. "Thom has made a lasting impact on the recreational boating and fishing industry by his leadership in unifying industry stakeholders to speak with one voice."

The Eddie Smith Award was established to honor extraordinary commitment to conservation by manufacturers.