PRESS RELEASES

Center for Coastal Conservation sets sail at ICAST

JULY 21, 2008

LAS VEGAS, NV – Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) was among several prominent marine conservation, boating and tackle industry associations gathered to announce the creation of the Center for Coastal Conservation (the Center) at the ICAST show in Las Vegas this week. The Center has been built to participate directly in elective politics and promote the conservation ideals of recreational angling to the lawmakers who make many of the key decisions in fisheries management.

“The groups and individuals involved in the Center have achieved significant conservation victories on their own for decades,” said CCA President David Cummins. “The Center will merge their strengths into a single, formidable force that is unlike anything we have seen in this arena before.”

The Center officially launched in October of 2006 and has been steadily growing in size and scope under the guidance of a board of directors made up of representatives from leading industry groups and renowned advocates for marine resource conservation, including several key founders of CCA.

“The Center brings together a very high level of expertise and experience, all focused on being the political arm of marine conservation,” said Jefferson Angers, president of the Center. “This is a coalition of people driven to succeed and who know how to get things done. The Center itself may be new, but it is already well-equipped to navigate the political process to promote good stewardship of America’s marine resources.”

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CCA Oregon Takes a Stand for Proper Management of Coastal Resources

Oregon (July 14, 2008) -- There is an effort in Oregon proposing new and permanent marine reserves that could eliminate many, if not all, recreational fishing uses in these designated areas forever. The supporters of these proposed marine reserves have not clearly identified a management need or specific biological reason for such dramatic management measures.

Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) is a grassroots marine conservation organization with more than 100,000 members throughout 17 coastal state chapters. For more than 30 years, CCA has been dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of coastal resources. Although CCA has long supported use of time and area closures to protect spawning aggregation areas for troubled species among other specific conservation issues, CCA has opposed the blanket implementation of arbitrary marine reserves.

“CCA believes that common-sense measures such as creel limits, season regulations, size limits, time-and-area closures and gear restrictions can effectively be used to maintain healthy marine ecosystems,” said John Stec, President of CCA Oregon. “As proposed, these pending marine reserves are designed to circumvent public process and sensible management. CCA Oregon will continue to be active in addressing this issue.”

CCA Oregon advocates the following as it pertains to marine reserves:

CCA believes that recreational fishermen should not be excluded from public fishing areas unless...

...there is a clear indication that recreational fishermen are the cause of a specific conservation problem and that less severe conservation measures, such as gear restrictions, possession limits, size restrictions, quotas, or closed seasons will not adequately address the targeted conservation problem.

...the closed-area regulation includes specific, measurable criteria to determine the conservation benefit of the closed area on the affected stocks of fish and provides a timetable for periodic review of the continued need for the closed area at least once every three years.

...the closed area is no larger than that which is supported by the best available science.

...provision is made to reopen the closed area to recreational fishing whenever the targeted conservation problem no longer exists.

The use of no-fishing zones ignores modern fishery management techniques and instead presents a one-size-fits-all management measure that bans all fishing in a specific area, forever.

CCA requests that any proposals for marine reserves be examined closely to determine if the designation of a marine reserve is the only viable solution to a fishery management problem, or if other, less extreme measures will suffice.

"Recreational anglers are staunch advocates for the conservation of marine resources and the protection of habitat," said Stec. “However, marine reserves represent an extreme and arbitrary action, and we believe that reasonable, science-based standards must be met before our marine waters can be closed to recreational fishing."

About CCA

Coastal Conservation Association is a non-profit organization comprised of 200 chapters in 17 coastal states spanning the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic and Pacific coasts. In 2007, CCA expanded into the Pacific Northwest to reverse the extreme decline of our fisheries and has quickly grown to more than 7,000 members. As the largest marine conservation organization in the country, CCA’s grassroots influence is felt through state capitals, U.S. Congress and, most importantly, in the conservation and restoration of our marine resources. To learn more about CCA in the Pacific Northwest visit www.ccapnw.org.

CONTACT:

John Stec, President, CCA Oregon

877.255.8772

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April 23, 2008 - WASHINGTON, DC – CCA General Counsel Robert G. Hayes testified before the House Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans today, and called on Congress to initiate agreements to control the international markets for seafood to put an end to IUU fishing.

“There are three distinct areas that need better compliance,” said Hayes. “First, is the continued problem of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Second, is the need for regional fishery management organizations to enforce rules against their own members, and third is the need for transparency in the national implementation of adopted conservation measures, such as those that the shark-fining bill addresses.”

Hayes urged Congress to initiate international measures for those three scenarios that are enforceable through the imposition of trade measures, including the embargo of all related fishery products from the offending country.

“The US must consider the failure of any member country to impose trade measures as an IUU act,” he said. “We as a country have to take these violations seriously and act on them.”

International fisheries measures now in place depend on the integrity of the nation states to implement them and not every nation has the same view of its obligation as the United States. Hayes encouraged Congress to pass legislation that requires the State Department to verify the implementation of every regional fishery management organization (RFMO) measure by member states. If a member fails to do so, the U.S. could identify the country and eventually impose market measures.

“All of this may sound daunting, but it is the process now in place,” Hayes said. “If Congress wants to make the system work, there must be legislation requiring the U.S. to initiate an international agreement for market controls to ensure compliance with RFMO measures. We have had similar agreements for textiles, coffee and listed species. The application of market controls produces discipline in the exploitation of natural resources. The problems facing our fisheries are more acute and right off our coast, and CCA believes the time has come to take a more proactive approach.”

Mr. Hayes is an alumnus of Boston University (B.S. 1968) and the Columbus School of Law at Catholic University (J.D. 1974). He was a U.S. Army Infantry Lieutenant from 1968-1971. Mr. Hayes was an attorney for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).

During that time he was NOAA's Southeast Regional Counsel and NMFS' Deputy General Counsel for Fisheries. From 1981 to 1984 he was the Director of the NMFS Office of Industry Services. As Director of Industry Services, he was the primary negotiator for the United States on bilateral fishery trade negotiations with Japan, Korea, Spain, France, and Portugal, and a member of the U.S. delegation on the U.S.-Japan Sub-cabinet Committee on Trade. Mr. Hayes has been in private practice from 1984 to 2007 and practices in the areas of fisheries, natural resources, energy and international trade.

While in private practice Mr. Hayes has represented numerous recreational fishing organizations including the American Fishing Tackle Manufacturers Association, United Sport Fishermen, the Congressional Sportsman’s Caucus Foundation, the Gulf Coast Conservation Association, the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, the Future Fisherman Foundation, FishAmerica Foundation, the American Sportfishing Association, The Billfish Foundation, the Coastal Conservation Association and the Center for Coastal Conservation. He is presently a U.S. Commissioner to ICCAT and is a member of the Vermont and District of Columbia Bars.

Unique program designed to encourage the reporting and prosecution of illegal activities that compromise native and wild fish

Vancouver, WA - Coastal Conservation Association (CCA), in support of efforts by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement Program, is initiating a reward program that is intended to raise awareness regarding the conservation of endangered and wild salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon in the Lower Columbia River.

CCA is offering cash rewards of up to $5,000 to any person who provides information that results in a conviction of any individual or group for buying and/or selling salmon, steelhead or sturgeon in violation of the felony or misdemeanor provisions of Washington State law.

CCA, in cooperation with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) law enforcement officers, has developed reward standards that will range from $500 to $5,000 depending on the seriousness of the violation.

“These kinds of violations are very difficult to detect and can have significant impacts on stocks of fish that are already in trouble,” said Matt Olson, President of CCA’s Washington State Board of Directors.

“By helping law enforcement officers gain information about unlawful trafficking and other intentional violations, CCA believes this program is an important step in the conservation of our salmon, steelhead and sturgeon.”

Gary Loomis to give informational talks about Coastal Conservation Association chapters in the Pacific Northwest

AUGUST 2007 - WOODLAND, WA - The fast-growing Pacific Northwest chapters of the Coastal Conservation Association continue their membership recruiting drive with a series of information sessions by PNW Chairman Gary Loomis. Just six months after a handful of concerned anglers brought CCA to the Northwest, membership exceeds 1500 and shows no signs of slowing.

"CCA is a grassroots advocacy organization, not a fishing club, and that makes it different from most groups in the country. We are going to be looking at these issues in a new way," said Mads Ledet, vice chairman of CCA Oregon. "Local anglers and conservationists have to get involved to change the future of salmon in the Northwest. That is the strength of CCA."

Frustrated sports anglers are "refusing to let wild salmon populations disappear forever at the hands of commercial gillnetters," said Matt Olson, president of CCA Washington.

"The plight of salmon is really motivating people by the hundreds to get involved in CCA. We have rarely seen this degree of frustration with a fishery and its management. People here know what is at stake and they are ready to do whatever they have to do to fix the situation."

CCA is the largest marine resource conservation group in the country, with more than 94,000 members in 17 state chapters along the Gulf, Atlantic, and Pacific coasts.

Hear Gary Loomis, September 6, 2007 at 7:00 PM
Olympia, WA
Event and raffle hosted by Puget Sound Anglers
American Legion Hall
3201 Boston Harbor Rd.
Contact: Leroy Wisener 360-748-9442

CCA and Valero Partner in Conservation

North America’s largest refiner offers three-year commitment to youth angler outreach and education program

SAN ANTONIO, TX - Coastal Conservation Association and Valero Energy Corporation have teamed up to promote conservation ethics in young anglers. Through a dynamic youth program that will include an eye-catching newsletter, interactive web site, and conservation-oriented school lesson plans, Valero and CCA will work to capture the enthusiasm of children and encourage them to understand and protect the coastal landscape.

Valero has pledged a three-year commitment to sponsor CCA’s Rising Tide youth program.

"Valero’s generous support will allow CCA to devote more resources to our youth program than ever before, and that clearly bodes well for the future of our marine resources," said Pat Murray, CCA vice president and director of conservation. "Through this partnership with Valero, we will be seeking to engage the imagination and hope of young people to create a powerful force for marine conservation."

Valero is the largest refiner in North America and has traditionally focused its charitable giving on projects involving education and youth. It is only the second company ever to twice receive the United Way’s highest honor, the Spirit of America Award. Its employees donated a record-breaking 272,000 hours of time last year to volunteer for countless community projects, including mentoring students, organizing fundraisers, participating in clean-up events, volunteering at youth centers and much more.

"With Valero’s long history of community involvement, support of children and strong presence in coastal areas, it’s a nice tie," Valero President Greg King said. "More than 40,000 CCA members live in the areas where we have a refinery. Valero is proud to help protect our coastal regions and take an active role in teaching youth about conservation and coastal responsibility."

CCA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of coastal marine resources. In operation for more than 30 years, CCA has 17 state chapters and more than 10,000 youth members among its more than 100,000 total membership. CCA is known as the national leader in marine conservation.

"Together, CCA and Valero are creating the conservationists of tomorrow through education, support and guidance," Murray said. "But our youth members are not only the future; they are capable of doing amazing things today. Valero’s support will enable us to tap into that potential now and in the future."

Local Leaders Set to Guide Conservation Efforts

Officers and Directors elected to lead fast-growing Pacific Northwest CCA chapters

WOODLAND, WA - Not long ago, a group of concerned anglers from Oregon and Washington with an urgent need to take a more active role in the management of their marine resources contacted Coastal Conservation Association. Just six months later, CCA Washington and CCA Oregon are officially open for business and proud to announce the election of officers and directors to lead the attack on a variety of conservation issues in the region, particularly salmon.

"In just a few months, our membership grew from a handful of concerned folks to more than 1,300 in these two chapters," said Matt Olson, president of CCA Washington. "This is largely attributable to the frustration of sports anglers throughout Oregon and Washington. They are refusing to let wild salmon populations disappear forever at the hands of commercial gillnetters."

With the clock ticking for wild salmon in the Pacific Northwest, the two newest CCA state chapters wasted no time organizing boards and launching three local chapters in each state. The pace of membership growth in the region has exceeded expectations and reflects the urgency anglers feel towards a resource that is a historic symbol of the region.

"Gary Loomis deserves much of the credit for bringing CCA to Washington and Oregon. He has been tireless in spreading the message and he has the visibility and charisma to draw attention to this issue," said David Cummins, CCA president. "The plight of salmon is really motivating people by the hundreds to get involved in CCA. We have rarely seen this degree of frustration with a fishery and its management. People here know what is at stake and they are ready to do whatever they have to do to fix the situation."

In addition to officers and directors, committee chairmen were also appointed in both chapters who will begin the grassroots process of determining goals and developing strategy to address the region’s complex conservation issues. The first CCA Washington chapters will be based around Central Puget Sound, the Lower Columbia River Valley and the Chehalis River Valley. CCA Oregon will also begin with three chapters centered around the Mid-Willamette Valley, Portland Metro and Columbia County.

CCA is the largest marine resource conservation group in the country, with more than 94,000 members in 17 state chapters along the Gulf, Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

For further information or to arrange interviews with representatives of the new CCA chapters in the Pacific Northwest, contact Ted Venker, 1-800-201-FISH.

Coastal Conservation Association Expands to Pacific Northwest

Decision creates coast-to-coast conservation association

HOUSTON, TX - Coastal Conservation Association, the nation’s largest marine resource conservation group, announced today that the organization will expand its operations to the U.S. Pacific Northwest to address a variety of conservation issues, including problems within the salmon fishery.

The announcement came as CCA celebrates its 30-year anniversary and follows a vote of the association’s national board of directors to commit CCA’s strength and experience to the U.S. Pacific Northwest. CCA currently maintains chapters in 15 coastal states along the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.

"This is a very exciting time for CCA," said David Cummins, president of CCA National. "There is an enthusiasm and energy in the Pacific Northwest for getting things done, and we believe we will be making a significant, beneficial impact on how fisheries are managed in the region in the very near future."

The creation of CCA Pacific Northwest (CCA PNW) will bring CCA’s extensive experience in grassroots networks, lobbying and fisheries management to the region’s contentious salmon issues, a long a source of frustration for Pacific Northwest anglers.

"We restored a run of Coho salmon to a creek that Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife declared dead only to see commercial fisheries cripple it again," said Gary Loomis, founder of G. Loomis Rods and a key figure in the effort to bring CCA to the Northwest. "In 1996, when we started, there were 32 salmon in that creek. We brought it back to 16,000 spawning, native fish. Two years ago, commercial gillnetters targeted that run of salmon. Only 6,100 made it back. They targeted them again this year. That was when we decided we needed to try and bring CCA to the Northwest to help us stop the overharvest of our native and wild fish runs."

The new founders of CCA PNW are already actively recruiting members and leaders to head-up this effort.

"We needed an organization with proven success affecting policy change in fisheries," said Jon Bial, another organizer of CCA PNW. "We believe the strengths of CCA, coupled with the passion of Pacific Northwest anglers, is the best way to achieve our goals for a healthy salmon fishery for generations to come."

CCA is the largest marine resource conservation group in the country, with more than 90,000 members in state chapters along all three coasts.