For immediate release:
Contact: Jim Donofrio
1-888-564-6732
RFA and NMMA Form A Strategic Alliance

The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) is proud to announce the expanded support of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), which will help it better represent fishermen and companies in the recreational boating and fishing industry in Washington and in state houses around the country.

"The NMMA's government relations staff does an excellent job of representing the industry's concerns on a wide array of issues," said Jim Donofrio, RFA executive director, "but marine fisheries legislation and regulatory actions require a high degree of specialization and time. This alliance will enhance the effectiveness of both groups lobbying efforts and highlights the importance of fishing to the future of the recreational marine industry in the United States."

"This alliance with RFA recognizes the critical role that fishing plays in the health and vitality of the boating industry, since half of all fishing is done from boats and 70 percent of all boat owners use their boat for fishing," said Thom Dammrich, NMMA president. "NMMA looks forward to a closer working relationship with the Recreational Fishing Alliance to amplify the voice of the boating industry on fishing issues."

The NMMA's board and members are deeply concerned about maintaining healthy fisheries and providing the public with reasonable access. This alliance has grown out of that recognition and will help the RFA continue its lead role in fisheries issues.

"NMMA and RFA have a natural synergy and we are pleased to support an organization that has proven time and again it can effectively work on behalf of recreational fishing interests," said Monita W. Fontaine, NMMA vice president of government relations. "The recreational boating industry is committed preserving access to our natural resources so that all American families may enjoy outdoor recreational activities, including boating and fishing."

The Recreational Fishing Alliance has risen to the forefront of recreational fishing politics since its incorporation six years ago and has built a high profile reputation in Washington and on the national stage. With a growing grassroots membership of fishermen and corporate members from all areas of the recreational marine and fishing tackle industries. It has been able to focus attention on the social and economic importance of the sport and continued to fight for well-managed, abundant fisheries.

"The staff of lobbyists at the RFA have worked hand-in-hand with the government affairs staff at the NMMA to educate legislators on the connection between recreational fishing and industry," said Herb Moore, Jr., RFA Legislative Director. "The funding provided through this new alliance will help us better protect the millions of Americans who fish and the hundreds of thousands of jobs in the marine and fishing tackle industry that depend on their ability to do so."

The Recreational Fishing Alliance is a national, grassroots political action organization representing sport fishermen and the sport fishing industry. The RFA's mission is to safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers, protect marine and tackle industry jobs, and ensure the long-term sustainability of U.S. saltwater fisheries. For more information, call 1-888-JOIN-RFA.