Fourth annual California Boating Congress focuses on 2019 priorities

The Marine Recreation Association hosted the 4th annual California Boating Congress in Sacramento, March 5-6. More than 80 marine industry leaders and professionals met at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade Hotel, not too far from the state capitol building.

Topics discussed during breakout sessions focused on attempts to increase fishing participation rates in California, a campaign to reduce sales and use taxes on watercraft and water quality regulation.

One of the highlights of this year’s convention was the keynote address to kick of the formal conference on March 6. Assembly member Jim Wood spoke about his efforts to reform California’s fishing license regime. His bill, AB 1387, seeks to change the state’s calendar-based license scheme to a 365-day system.

Also speaking at the conference were NMMA Senior Vice President of Strategy Robert Newsome, Division of Boating and Waterways acting director Ramona Fernandez, and Bret Gladfelty, a marine industry lobbyist with the Apex Group.

Marine Recreation Association stated planning for the fifth-ever California Boating Congress is already underway. Visit www.californiaboatingcongress.com for more information.