California ranks 4th when it comes to registered boats among our 50 states. Luckily Golden State boaters have a strong voice thanks to their regional advocacy group, a BoatU.S. partner.
Read the article “The Recreational Boaters of California: Advocates since 1968” in the June edition of BoatUS Magazine: click here
The San Diego skyline on San Diego Bay. California is a perennial Top 5 state for pleasure boats with 645,951 registered in 2020.
RBOC is urging the Senate Rules Committee to recommend that the full Senate confirm Governor Newsom’s appointment of Ramona Fernandez as Deputy Director of the Division of Boating and Waterways within the Department of Parks and Recreation.
RBOC has had numerous, direct and positive experiences with Ms. Fernandez in her leadership role as Deputy Director of the Division of Boating and Waterways. She has displayed an open and engaged approach with all stakeholders and interests on each issue.
This has been especially clear as Ms. Fernandez has led the dedicated division staff, Boating and Waterways Commission members, and the public through a comprehensive stakeholder process to consider the stated deficiency in the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund and actions that can be taken.
The mission and efforts of the Division of Boating and Waterways will be enhanced and advanced by having Ms. Fernandez confirmed as Deputy Director.
California’s boating community and industry together support the dedication and utilization of boater fees and taxes for programs and services that directly benefit boaters.
As a part of our ongoing advocacy efforts on this issue, RBOC and several like-minded boating organizations wrote to State Parks Director Quintero and other officials today to re-affirm our interests, concerns, and requests as the state budget for FY 2023-2024 is being developed prior to the start of that fiscal year on July 1.
We appreciate the decision made by the Governor and Legislature within the state budget for the current fiscal year to refrain from significantly increasing boat registration fees, and in convening a stakeholder process to provide a path to expanded opportunities for all Californians to enjoy on-the-water recreation in the years ahead.
This process provided the opportunity for all interested parties and the state to review the expenditure of more than $100 million each year in fuel tax dollars attributable to boats owners. Within that review, we were able to assess a need to determine the most effective and efficient use of those funds, to identify approaches for increasing the disproportionally small percentage of those monies currently directed to boating programs, and to enhance the financial participation of non-boaters who benefit from the current and future programs.
We anticipate that the Governor’s May Budget Revise may propose one or more solutions to the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund [HWRF] deficiency. We urge the administration and the Legislature to ensure that the recommendations developed through this stakeholder process are incorporated.
They include:
• A comprehensive report on the economic impact of recreational boating in California.
• The enhanced participation and financial contribution of non-boating stakeholders and beneficiaries who benefit from current and future programs and services.
• The enhancement of the statutory authority and role of the Commission to provide not only advice, but also consent on the Division’s loans and grants from the HWRF.
• The identification of approaches that can be taken to meet the new challenges identified through the stakeholder engagement process such as the number of abandoned and derelict vessels not currently addressed by the existing SAVE grant program.
• The enhancement of the Division’s administration of essential programs.
• The identification of efficiencies and improvements to programs that are not attracting the desired number of recipients due to statutory requirements that may be out-of-date, obsolete, or non-competitive.
• Encouragement of Californians to take advantage of the unique and diverse on-the-water opportunities that exist throughout the state.
• A return of a significant amount of the motor vehicle fuel taxes directly generated by recreational boaters to the HWRF.
• An identification and expenditure of other funds for grants directed to beach erosion control.
• As appropriate, a vessel registration fee adjustment that is reasonable and that corresponds to the revenues and savings that are recommended above.
With the dedicated leadership provided by members of the Boating and Waterways Commission and the personnel at the Division of Boating and Waterways, the boating community engaged in the extensive stakeholder process with optimism that the recom-mendations would inform budgetary decisions and policy initiatives to enhance unique California’s on-the-water opportunities for all Californians.
The process concluded at the end of last year with the submission of each subcommittee’s report to the Division of Boating and Waterways and the Department of Parks and Recreation.
We are urging the administration and the Legislature to incorporate the recommendations into the May budget revise and related budget legislation that will be released in the near future.
For a copy of today’s letter: click here
RBOC is once-again co-hosting this year’s California Boating Congress that will be held April 11 & 12, 2023 in Sacramento.
This an annual event where the marine industry and boating community come to Sacramento to advocate on shared issues affecting this important part of our state’s economy and culture.
To register this year’s event: click here
There will be government and industry speakers in the morning and afternoon sessions of April 12 with a number of key legislators who have interest in our issues.
The mission of the statewide boating advocacy organization - a 53-year tradition of advocating for the state’s boaters.
RBOC 2023 President Debrenia Madison Smith convenes the organization’s annual meeting with a reference to the mission of the nonprofit advocacy group to advocate for the state’s recreational boating public.
RBOC supports the dedication of boater fees and taxes for programs and services that directly benefit boaters.
We therefore appreciate the decision made by the Governor and Legislature with the state budget for fiscal year 2022-2023 to refrain from significantly increasing boat registration fees and convening a stakeholder process.
This public process of engagement has been underway for the past several months, with three subcommittees led by Boating and Waterways Commissioners and supported by the expert staff of the Division of Boating and Waterways. A wide variety of boating community stakeholders are actively participating.
This process is providing the opportunity for all interested parties and the state to review the expenditure of more than $100 million each year in fuel tax dollars attributable to boats, the most effective and efficient use of those funds, to identify approaches for increasing the small percentage of those monies currently directed to boating programs, and to enhance the financial participation of non-boaters who benefit from the current and future programs.
RBOC is encouraged with the progress being made and the consideration that is being given to the suggestions made by the boating community in our July 14 letter [click here] and in the input being provided by organizations and individuals throughout the subcommittee discussions.
The full commission may consider finalization of its recommendations at its November meeting. The commission’s input will inform the Division of Boating and Waterways and the Department of Parks and Recreation as a report is prepared for submission to the Legislature.
RBOC joined dozens of stakeholders testifying in today’s meeting of the California Air Resources Board as it considered a revised proposal establishing lower emission requirements for commercial harbor crafts.
CARB Meeting March 24, 2022
RBOC’s efforts are in furtherance of its position as set forth in comments submitted in November of 2021 [click here], working together with our national advocacy partner BoatU.S., sportfishing groups and boating industry organizations.
Today, the CARB board adopted Resolution 22-6 [click here] with improvements to the updated regulations to allow for compliance flexibilities and extensions as well as alternative emission control strategies. The adopted resolution also creates a stakeholder process and technical working group, establishes midterm reviews, and identifies additional considerations going forward.
As described by CARB, the updates to the regulations will impose “more stringent in-use and new vessel requirements and expand regulatory requirements to vessel categories that did not previously need to upgrade engines, such as certain types of barges, research vessels, work boats, and commercial passenger fishing vessels. The in-use regulatory amendments would require that the majority of regulated in-use and new vessels meet a performance standard equivalent to the cleanest available engine standards: Tier 3 (or 4 if certified for the horsepower range) plus a diesel particulate filter (DPF).”
“The Proposed Amendments would also include engines below 50 horsepower in the CHC Regulation, which are currently excluded from the CHC Regulation’s in-use performance standards. However, the Proposed Amendments still provide a low-use compliance exception for vessel engines with infrequent operation. The Proposed Amendments include requirements for the adoption of ZEAT where feasible for all operations in California. CARB staff has identified two areas that are technologically feasible and cost effective for zero emission- operations: new and in-use short run ferries, and new excursion vessels. The Proposed Amendments include additional pathways for adopting ZEAT for any CHC operation where a given operation is feasible but not required. The Proposed Amendments’ implementation timeline consists of compliance deadlines between 2023 and 2032. If eligible and approved, compliance dates can be extended to as late as 2034.’
RBOC will be testifying in the March 24 meeting of the California Air Resources Board [CARB] in opposition to the proposed commercial harbor craft air emission regulations that would negatively impact commercial charter fishing and whale watching vessel owners, ports, and coastal communities.
RBOC and our national advocacy partner BoatU.S. are engaged with the coalition of national and state organizations representing sportfishing, boating, fishing tackle manufacturers, marine organizations, harbor authorities and retailers that are rushing to the defense of California sportfishing and whale watching boat owners.
For more on this issue, the advocacy engagement as well as the formal comments submitted by RBOC, BoatU.S. and others within a coalition effort: click here
Boaters planning to testify in Thursday’s meeting should register with CARB in advance: click here
The specific agenda item is:
• 22-5-1: Public Hearing to Consider Proposed Amendments to the Commercial Harbor Craft Regulation
The voluntary members of the RBOC Board of Directors have begun a series of virtual meetings today with members of the California Senate and Assembly to advocate on several key measures including:
Boater Fees and Taxes - State Parks & Division of Boating and Waterways
Outdoor Recreation and Preservation of Water
Beach Erosion and Replenishment
Abandoned and Derelict Commercial Vessels
Human and Medical Waste in Waterways
Boating and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta
Dredging
For the RBOC Key Issue Update: Click here
RBOC and our national advocacy partner BoatU.S. are engaged with the coalition of national and state organizations representing sportfishing, boating, fishing tackle manufacturers, marine organizations, harbor authorities and retailers that are rushing to the defense of California sportfishing and whale watching boat owners. Today’s press release:
State and National Sportfishing and Boating Organizations Send Up Flares
California’s proposed engine emission regulations could undermine recent gains in fishing participation rates, conservation funding and economic activity
(San Diego, CA): With just weeks before the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is expected to rule on controversial harbor craft engine emission regulations, a coalition of national and state organizations representing sportfishing, boating, fishing tackle manufacturers, marine organizations, harbor authorities and retailers are rushing to the defense of California sportfishing and whale watching boat owners.
In the coalition’s letter to the CARB Board, the coalition expresses concerns associated with engine emission regulations that are economically and structurally infeasible for commercial passenger boats that provide millions of Californians and foreign visitors access to sportfishing, whale watching, eco-tourism and scuba diving. By CARB’s own admission, if the regulations are adopted, boat owners that can’t afford to construct and purchase new compliant vessels that can house the mandated heavier Diesel engines and equipment would be required to go out of business as early as January 2023.
The letter highlights that during the COVID-19 pandemic the Nation experienced a surge in fishing participation that include diverse audiences, specifically, nontraditional participants that are younger, more urban, and more diverse with significant gains among women, African Americans, and Hispanics. The coalition is concerned that as passenger sportfishing boats are removed from service or passenger ticket prices are increased to pay for regulatory costs, it will only undermine recent progress made by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to increase fishing participation and license sales that fund the department’s conservation and fishery programs. California’s fishing participation rate (per capita) is the lowest in the Nation, demonstrating how fragile the recent increase in participation may be if CARB rules make it unaffordable.
“CARB’s regulations will have the unintended consequence of denying millions of Californians access to the sea as commercial passenger boat owners go out of business,” said Ken Franke, president of the Sportfishing Association of California. “CARB fails to recognize that passenger boats are a valued source of outdoor recreation and economic activity in California. For most Californians, these boats are their only access to offshore sportfishing and marine life.”
Additionally, CARB failed to consult with the CDFW to determine what impact declining fishing participation rates could have on conservation and fishery programs, both offshore and inland. Both fishing license sales and a federal excise tax on fishing tackle and boat fuel fund many of CDFW’s environmental programs with the Federal Government matching $3 for every state dollar contributed.
“When California’s 2 million anglers fish off one of the Nation’s longest coastlines, they buy fishing licenses that fund conservation and fishery programs that protect local habitat,” said Franke. “Unfortunately, CARB did not evaluate the environmental and economic impact of regulations that will have a devasting impact on sportfishing and eco-tourism all along California’s coast.”
Additionally, CARB’s Standardized Regulatory Impact Assessment failed to examine the economic impacts on coastal tourism and outdoor retail sales at a time when Governor Gavin Newsom has made it his priority to restore the half of 1.2 million hospitality and tourism jobs lost during the COVID-19 pandemic.
CARB’s regulations have invited bipartisan opposition from State Legislators and a coalition of over 60 local, state and national organizations representing small business, tourism, marina/harbors, local agencies, retail, non-profits, boating and sportfishing. In addition, over 20,000 anglers signed a petition pleading with Governor Newsom to Save Our Boats.
Background
On September 21, 2021, CARB released its Proposed Amendments to the Commercial Harbor Craft Regulation. The public comment period is September 24 – November 15th, and the CARB Board, appointed largely by Governor Gavin Newsom, is expected to rule November 19, 2021. Over 1,700 public comments have been submitted to CARB so far.
CARB’s regulations require engines to be modified with technology that has not been developed yet for 174 commercial inspected passenger fishing vessels and in most cases, the modifications will be too massive to fit into existing engine rooms. This led the California State University Maritime Academy to conclude that the proposed standards for existing engines does not exist and in the alternative, “… treatment equipment (modifications) alone significantly impacts the vessel’s stability.” This led CARB to conclude vessel replacement is likely.
California is one of America’s premiere fishing destinations with over a half a million people a year fishing from sportfishing boats, supporting coastal communities, marinas, and small businesses dependent on outdoor tourism for economic activity, jobs, and tax revenue. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, California’s over 2 million anglers contributed $5.6 billion a year in economic activity and supported nearly 40,000 jobs for our State.
Between 2019-2020, California fishing license sales increased 19 percent, bringing in an additional $12.6 million in revenue for California Department of Fish and Wildlife programs.
The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation reports that in 2020 fishing participation rates increased to a 12-year high, with growth among nontraditional participants that are younger, more urban, and more diverse, with significant gains among women, African Americans, and Hispanics.
The Sportfishing Association of California (SAC) is a trade organization representing Southern California sportfishing and whale watching boat and landing owners. The Golden State Fishermen’s Association represents commercial passenger fishing vessels and marine recreational anglers in Northern California.
RBOC appreciates the action taken by Governor Newsom and the State Legislature to remove a proposed 250% increase in boat registration fees from the state budget in response to the serious concerns raised by RBOC, our national advocacy partner BoatU.S., and boating associations including the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association, Southern California Yachting Association, Marine Recreation Association, California Association of Harbor Masters and Port Captains, California Yacht Brokers Association, National Marine Manufacturers Association, California Association of Harbor Masters and Port Captains, thousands of California boaters who took action, and several other allied organizations.
"This is the right decision for boaters," responded RBOC President Winston Bumpus. "The further we look into the many different pots where boater-generated fuel tax dollars are placed, the more questions boaters have identified about the fairness of a registration fee increase."
Continued Bumpus: "For instance, boaters pay $107 million each year in fuel taxes to the state, yet only $15 million [14%] is provided to the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund [HWRF] for a number of programs and services including boater education and operator certification, safety and enforcement on the waterways, boating facilities, removal of abandoned and derelict watercraft, and efforts to combat invasive species."
Added David B. Kennedy with BoatU.S. Government Affairs: "This is a great demonstration of the benefits of boaters engaging on issues that matter to their boating. Working with RBOC, over 4,000 messages were sent by BoatU.S. members to the legislature and governor. It's clear their voices were heard."
The final state budget action allocates state general fund dollars to the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund [HWRF] administered by the Division of Boating and Waterways [DBW] for a variety of programs and services that benefit boaters.
RBOC and others will participate in a public stakeholder process DBW will initiate in the near future to develop recommendations to the Legislature for long-term solutions to the deficiencies that DBW and State Parks state that the HWRF is experiencing. Boat registration fees will be part of that conversation, together with efficiencies and improvements to existing programs and revisions to better serve the boating public.
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law AB 591 [Villapudua] that will provide incentives for boaters to correct certain violations by authorizing an officer to issue a written notice containing a violator’s promise to correct an alleged violation of various offenses relating to vessels.
Similar incentives have already been established in the California Vehicle Code. Section 40303.5 of that code provides that certain vehicle-related violations may [and must] be corrected. However, no such authority exists in the Harbors and Navigation Code for boating violations. AB 591 would correct this oversight.
AB 591 allows for several specified boating law violations to be corrected, such as having an expired vessel registration, not having serviceable fire extinguishers, or not having a boater card in the operator’s possession. Under AB 591, an increased number of corrections will be made, and safety will be enhanced.
The bill will require an officer, unless certain specified conditions exists, to permit a person arrested for the following vessel-related offenses to execute a notice containing a violator’s promise to correct the alleged violation:
Expired registration.
Failure to paint the vessel identification number on the forward half of the boat.
Operating a vessel propelled by an engine without possessing an operating license.
Failure to display registration stickers.
Using a recreational boat without a proper floatation device, as specified.
Operating a vessel without a properly serviced fire extinguisher.
Having a fire extinguisher without the proper metallic name plate, as specified.
The measure was sponsored by the California State Sheriffs’ Association.
From California’s Boating Clean and Green program:
Let’s keep boating clean, safe and fun by implementing some of the following clean and safe boating practices during this important Holiday:
1. Be safe, always wear a life jacket.
2. Ensure you have the right safety equipment on board. Visit boatcalifornia.com for more boating safety tips.
3. Prevent oily discharge from the bilge. Practice preventive engine maintenance and use oil absorbents.
4. Prevent fuel spills by using fuel bibs. Dispose of them as a hazardous waste at your County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center. For locations check your browser or visit earth911.com. For a Free California Boater Kit with clean and safe boating information visit Bit.ly/2021CABoaterKit
5. Do not add soap in order to disperse fuel and oil spills. It is ILLEGAL and bad for the environment.
6. Minimize boat cleaning and maintenance in the water. Use less toxic products.
7. Dispose of hazardous waste properly.
8. Plan ahead! Manage sewage waste properly and use sewage pumpouts. Check the Free Pumpout App to identify your nearest participating pumpout, dump station and floating restroom!
9. Stow it, do not throw it and ditch the disposables for reusables! Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Recycle your fishing line and properly dispose of nets and hooks.
10. Reduce grey water discharges. Use biodegradable and phosphate free soaps.
For the official announcement: click here
Boaters speak up for a responsible boat registration fee increase,
funds for AIS prevention and recreational facilities
The voices of recreational boaters, more than 4,000 strong who recently contacted their California state legislators and governor’s office asking for a more responsible and fair boat registration fee increase, have been heard.
During recent budget negotiations, RBOC, our advocacy partner Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), and a coalition of additional stakeholders won hard-earned concessions that save Golden State boaters money, leads to a path that more equitably funds Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) programs and beach replenishment efforts, and supports funding for construction, maintenance and operations of public recreation facilities at state water projects.
"We appreciate the support from our partner BoatUS, as well as our coalition partners and the boating community to make the boater's perspective heard in Sacramento.", said Winston Bumpus. RBOC President.
“Advocacy works,” said BoatUS Manager of Government Affairs David Kennedy. “Legislators clearly listened, and we thank them for understanding our needs.”
At issue was a budget proposal on the table for a 250% boat registration fee increase. RBOC/ BoatUS worked to reduce the increase to 100%, which now increases the cost of a two-year California recreational boat registration from $20 to $40.
Also at stake was the California State Parks’ critical Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund (HWRF), which supports the state’s AIS efforts as well as boating infrastructure and programs such as launch ramp construction, maintenance, and repair; boating safety; registration; and enforcement programs. As recently as 2019, the HWRF had teetered on insolvency. RBOC and BoatU.S. were able to take a proposed two-year, $20 million spending level and increase it by $10.7 million for the next four years, totaling more than $60 million in HWRF funding, adding stability to the fund.
The state had also been raiding HWRF for beach restoration. “It makes no sense for boaters to carry the burden of beach replenishment for the entire state, and we are glad legislators agreed with us by including a provision that would suspend transfers of HWRF funds to the public beach restoration fund,” added Kennedy.
State legislators are expected to vote on the budget by early June.
Register today to attend this year’s California Boating Congress - click here!
For the agenda - click here!
Planning for 2030 & Beyond
Our legislators are developing new initiatives today to limit and ultimately eliminate gasoline and diesel engines in California, and having our voices heard will be critical at this time. The 2021 California Boating Congress will focus on understanding and responding to the potential impact of these measures on recreational boating and the marine industry, and more importantly, how we can influence those initiatives through our representatives and regulators.
RBOC and a number of additional boating community organizations are advocating for key revisions to Governor Newsom’s proposed 250% vessel registration fee increase that would take effect on July 1.
California boaters would see their boat registration fees increase from a minimum of $20 every two years to at least $70 every two years as soon as July 1 if the Governor’s state budget proposal is enacted.
Budget subcommittees in the state Senate and Assembly are discussing this proposal now, and are anticipated to decide on the issue in the next few weeks. as the state budget development process moves forward in the state capitol. RBOC leaders and advocate are lobbying and testifying.
For the February 16 joint boating community letter to the Legislature on this issue: click here
More information:
The Governor’s proposed state budget for the Division of Boating and Waterways [DBW] proposes adjustments to the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund [HWRF].
The HWRF receives no monies from the state’s General Fund.
It is comprised of boat fuel tax dollars, registration fees, federal monies, and interest payments on loans from the HWRF..
The HWRF support several programs and services that benefit boaters including infrastructure such as launch ramps, education, aquatic centers, local boating law enforcement, the boater certification card, and invasive species prevention and control.
The Governor’s proposal includes an increase in the minimum amount of vessel registration fees, from $20 every two years to $70 every two years, effective July 1.
This proposed registration fee increase is being considered as the state increasingly dedicates boater fuel tax dollars to the state parks system. and not to the HWRF. This started decades ago, and now totals $107 million each year.
In contrast, only $15 million [14%] of the fuel taxes paid by boaters are placed in the HWRF for the programs and services that directly benefit boaters.
It is also important to acknowledge that:
The owners and operators of more than 640,000 registered vessels in California also pay a very significant amount of property taxes to the counties.
The proposed 250% registration fee increase would extract an additional $20 million from California boaters - most of whom earn under $100K per year and 95% of whom own a small boat that is 26 feet long and smaller.
The fee increase be levied during this unprecedented pandemic when individuals are finding outdoor on-the-water recreation to be a safe and enjoyable activity providing significant mental and physical benefits.
The HWRF also supports programs that are of little or no benefit to boaters including beach restoration.
RBOC, together with other boating organizations, is urging legislators to take one or more of the following actions:
Reduce the amount of the proposed increase to an amount significantly less than 250%.
Re-direct a small, yet reasonable portion of the $107 million in annual boat fuel tax dollars to the HWRF.
Permanently eliminate the authority for HWRF funds to be utilized for beach erosion control.
Establish an equitable funding structure for the invasive species program that includes other beneficiaries with a proportional financial framework.
Establish in statute the stakeholder process to be undertaken over the next few years to develop long-term funding approaches to the HWRF.
Add to the Boating and Waterways Commission’s statutory authority the responsibility to approve loans and grants from the HWRF.
The thought is that, taken together, these actions would provide the state’s boating community with an affirmation that the State of California is taking a balanced, reasonable approach, with increased transparency, to address boating revenues in a manner that respects the proper use of those funds for boating programs and services that directly benefit the boating public.
Governor Gavin Newsom on January 8 released his proposed budget for the fiscal year that begins on July 1. The proposal would increase vessel registration fees from $20 to $70 every two years effective July 1.
RBOC has reviewed the proposal within our mission to advocate for the best utilization of boater funds for programs and services that directly benefit boaters.
RBOC is not in a position to support the Governor’s proposed plan to increase boat registration fees by 250% starting July 1.
The organization continues its requests for: data supporting the necessity for additional state revenues in an environment where boat registrations and revenues are increasing; a meaningful dialogue with stakeholders to identify efficiencies and improvements in current programs; and accurate information on the millions of dollars in fuel tax dollars and registration fees boaters pay to the state that are never placed into the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund.
Stated RBOC President Winston Bumpus: “A 250% increase before these issues are resolved is putting the cart before the horse. RBOC will be actively advocating with the Governor’s administration including the Division of Boating and Waterways, state legislators and other stakeholders to resolve these issues before we can support such a dramatic increase.”
RBOC is urging the State of California to establish clear and reasonable parameters regarding recreational boating on our state’s waterways that provide the opportunity for Californians to act responsibly and to get out on the water.
In its September 17 request to Governor Gavin Newsom [click here] RBOC expresses its appreciation for the Governor’s continued leadership during these most challenging of times as we all work together to protect Californians during this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.
RBOC understands and appreciates that actions are taken at the state and local level, dependent upon circumstances that evolve not just month by month, but day by day and even hour by hour.
RBOC and the boating community encourage all boaters to practice social/physical distancing in all aspects and other measures to protect themselves and others during these challenging times.
RBOC has posted and communicated safe practice guidelines to assist club and individual efforts [click here].
As we all endeavor to protect public health and safety and defeat this pandemic, RBOC urges Governor Newsom and his capable executive team to establish clear and reasonable parameters regarding recreational boating on our state’s waterways that provide the opportunity for Californians to act responsibly and to get out on the water.
There is an opportunity and a need to provide clarity and to encourage boating as a recreational activity that is vital to our physical and mental health during these times. Boating also supports a $17 billion sector in the state’s economy.
Without clarity, boaters are challenged by conflicting and confusing rules and guidelines that can be counter-productive. It is difficult to determine what rules apply, in which areas, and on what dates.
Consideration should also be given to the various types of boating activities, from canoes and kayaks, to personal watercraft, to water skiing, fishing, regattas and racing.
The recreational boating community, as well as the boating industry, are identified, capable and ready to engage.
Indeed, a collaborative effort with the numerous stakeholders in the San Diego area has developed a Safe Reopening Plan for Recreational Boating that was considered by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors on September 15 and will soon be integrated into the county health order. This is a significant effort that RBOC supports being considered and endorsed by the State of California. That plan is enclosed with the RBOC letter [click here].
RBOC is requesting that Governor Gavin Newsom sign into law AB 1949 [Boerner Horvath] that would strengthen the structure of the California Ocean Resources Enhancement and Hatchery Program [OREHP] to encompass any marine fish species that is important to sport and commercial fishing.
RBOC appreciates and supports the objective of AB 1949 to improve the existing hatchery program. The Marine Fish Hatchery in Carlsbad is the only salt-water marine fish hatchery on the West Coast. The goal of the hatchery program is to develop culture techniques for depleted marine fish species and to produce offspring for use in the OREHP.
AB 1949 seeks to expand the program to include any marine fishing species for sport and commercial fishing. The bill would also update the provisions related to the advisory panel to provide for more public participation and stakeholder engagement. In addition, the bill would expand the contracting authority of the Department of Fish and Wildlife by allowing the department to contract with any public or private entity to conduct research projects.
The bill is sponsored by the Coastal Conservation Association, California and is supported by a number of fishing groups. There has been no opposition or “no” votes on the measure as it was considered in the State Legislature.
The Governor has until September 30 to take action on the measure.
