Date and Time:
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 @ 8:30 AM-4:30 PM Mountain Time
Wednesday, October 30, 2024 @ 8:30 AM-12:15 PM Mountain Time

Location (in-person and virtual):
USFWS Bozeman Fish Technology Center at 4050 Bridger Canyon Rd, Bozeman, MT 59715

See the Federal Register Notice for more details.

Meeting Agenda:
All listed times are in Mountain Time.

Tuesday, October 29
8:30—8:40 AMRoll Call and Establish Quorum
Tom McCann, Designated Federal Officer
8:40—8:50 AMOpening Remarks
Janet Coit, Assistant Administrator of the National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA 
8:50—9:00 AMOpening Remarks
Judy Camuso, President, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
9:00—9:10 AMOpening Remarks
Steve Guertin, Deputy Director for Program Management and Policy, USFWS
9:10—9:20 AMOpening Remarks
Chair and Vice-Chair, SFBPC
9:20—9:30 AMNational Fish Habitat Partnership Board Seat Nomination
9:30—11:15 AMAgency Updates
11:30 AM—1:00 PMLunch
1:00—2:00 PMTour and Demonstration
Bozeman Fish Technology Center
Jeff Powell
Director, USFWS Bozeman Fish Technology and Health Center
2:00—4:00 PMSubcommittee Report Out
Communications & Outreach
Infrastructure & Access
Conservation & Restoration
4:00—4:15 PMWrap Up
4:15—4:30 PMPublic comments and adjourn
(Extend as needed) 
5:00 PMTour of Simms Factory
177 Garden Drive
Bozeman, MT 59718
Wednesday, October 30
8:30—8:45 AMRoll Call and Establish Quorum
Day One Recap
8:45—9:15 AMOffshore Wind Discussion
Brian Hooker
Section Chief for Biology, Environmental Branch for Renewable Energy
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
9:15—10:15 AMFish and Aquatic Conservation
Strategic Plan Update
Linda Manning
Julia Blass
The Council Oak
10:15—10:45 AMRecreational Boating & Fishing Foundation Update
Dave Chanda
10:45—11:00 AMBreak
11:00—11:45 AMCouncil Business – Open  Discussion
11:45 AM—12:00 PMAction Items and Next Steps
12:00—12:15 PMPublic Comment and Adjourn


October 2024 SFBPC Meeting Minutes

Meeting location: USFWS Bozeman Fish Technology Center and virtual via MS Teams.
 

Day 1: Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Convene Meeting, Introductions, and Confirm Quorum 

Tom McCann, the Designated Federal Officer, confirmed that a quorum was present and convened the meeting.

Opening Remarks

Chris Horton, Council Chair, and Barb Gigar, Vice-chair, welcomed attendees and opened the meeting by praising the Council for its high levels of engagement. They acknowledged the productive work achieved in subcommittee meetings throughout the year and expressed gratitude for the members' ongoing participation. 

Janet Coit, Assistant Administrator of the National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, emphasized the critical importance of partnerships in marine conservation efforts. She highlighted a significant total of $1.4 billion in funding from recent legislation, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) is a once-in-a-generation investment in the nation’s infrastructure and economic competitiveness. We were directly appropriated $455 million over five years in BIL funds for programs related to the President’s America the Beautiful initiative.

Learn more about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
and the Inflation Reduction Act, aimed at various initiatives such as habitat restoration, fish passage fish passage
Fish passage is the ability of fish or other aquatic species to move freely throughout their life to find food, reproduce, and complete their natural migration cycles. Millions of barriers to fish passage across the country are fragmenting habitat and leading to species declines. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Fish Passage Program is working to reconnect watersheds to benefit both wildlife and people.

Learn more about fish passage
projects, and community engagement. Ms. Coit underscored the collaborative spirit necessary for effective conservation.

Judy Camuso, newly elected President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA), stressed the need for effective public engagement in conservation efforts. She specifically called for expanding outreach to non-anglers and diverse communities to secure funding and support for fisheries and wildlife management amidst stagnant license sales. Ms. Camuso's remarks highlighted the importance of storytelling in conveying the benefits of conservation to a broader audience.

Steve Guertin, Deputy Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), commended the commitment of the Council members and discussed recent successes, including the delisting of the Apache trout from the endangered species list. He also addressed the financial constraints facing federal agencies due to continuing resolutions and anticipated funding reductions, emphasizing the need to prioritize resources effectively.

National Fish Habitat Partnership Board Seat Nomination 

The Council unanimously voted to appoint Risa Shimoda to the National Fish Habitat Partnership Board, recognizing her qualifications in watercraft, nonprofit management, and marketing. Her appointment is expected to enhance the board's effectiveness in promoting fish habitat conservation and ensuring diverse perspectives are represented.

Agency Updates 

NOAA: Tim Sartwell provided an overview of funding allocations from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, detailing investments in fish passage, habitat restoration, and key species recovery efforts. He also discussed ongoing improvements in data collection efforts through the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), which aims to refine estimates of recreational fishing effort and enhance data quality for better fisheries management.

USFWS: Marilyn "Guppy" Blair provided an update on the Aquatic Animal Drug Approval Partnership Program (AADAP), discussing the complexities involved in securing FDA approvals for aquatic animal drugs. She highlighted the need for collaboration with various stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies and researchers, to navigate regulatory challenges and ensure the availability of safe and effective treatments for aquatic species. Guppy and the AADAP team provided a tour of the USFWS Bozeman Fish Technology Center facility. 

Eric MacMillan outlined the goals of the National Fish Habitat Partnership, emphasizing its science-based, voluntary approach to improving aquatic habitat conservation. He highlighted recent funding initiatives and the importance of stakeholder engagement in promoting effective conservation practices across various regions.

Subcommittee Discussions

Outreach and Communications Subcommittee:

The subcommittee discussed feedback from the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) regarding the National Outreach and Communications Program 2016—2021 Assessment of RBFF conducted by Spitfire. The subcommittee presented and discussed a formal response letter to the Assessment. The Council unanimously approved the letter for distribution. 

The subcommittee reported on the need for an updated strategic plan to reflect current communication methods and technologies. They emphasized the importance of developing metrics that can adapt to changing conditions and ensuring that outreach efforts effectively engage a diverse audience.

The Council discussed nominees to fill two vacant Council seats on the RBFF board. Members who put forward a nomination were given an opportunity to summarize their nominee’s strengths and background. Members then proceeded with their vote. 

The following appointments were elected to fill the current vacancies and were effective immediately:  

  • Toby O'Rourke, President & CEO, Kampgrounds of America 
  • Wayne Hubbard, Co-founder, Urban American Productions 
     

In addition, the Council voted on the three additional Council board seats that are set to expire in February 2025. The following appointments will be effective at that time:  

  • Carly Hysell, Associate Director of Public Relations, Garmin  
  • Douglass Craven, Natural Resource Department Director, Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians  
  • Ronnie Green, Host & Producer, A Fishing Story  
     

Infrastructure and Access Subcommittee: 

The subcommittee discussed the sustainability and funding of the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, understanding potential changes to fuel tax dynamics and the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles (EVs). The subcommittee proposed developing a request for proposals to study the solvency of the Trust Fund and potential revenue sources, including revisiting the fuel tax structure structure
Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.

Learn more about structure
and considering new excise taxes. The conversation emphasized the importance of preparing for future changes in the funding landscape, including the impact of EVs and alternative funding mechanisms. The goal is to assess the current funding model, identify gaps, and explore opportunities for expanding revenue streams to ensure the Trust Fund's longevity, especially as it approaches its 75th anniversary. 

Members expressed support for creating criteria to evaluate which products should be taxed, aiming for a consistent categorical approach rather than addressing individual products. The need for a comprehensive review of the funding model was highlighted, with suggestions to look at import fees and other revenue sources. 

The subcommittee sought approval to move forward with drafting a request for proposals (RFP) to study these issues, ensuring that the Trust Fund remains viable for the future. The Council unanimously voted to approve moving forward with drafting the RFP for consideration and final approval at the next Council meeting. 

Conservation and Restoration Subcommittee: 

The subcommittee discussed the challenges of recycling abandoned fiberglass boats, noting that while there are successful programs, current estimates indicate tens of thousands of such boats exist, particularly in coastal areas, with limited data on inland regions. The subcommittee emphasized the need for a national survey to better understand the issue, as current recycling efforts are cost-prohibitive, reaching up to $8,000 per boat. 

The discussion highlighted the importance of learning from other industries, such as wind energy, regarding fiberglass waste management. The subcommittee plans to gather informal data to inform future actions and develop a comprehensive approach in upcoming meetings. The group discussed the role of boat registration in preventing abandonment, as many owners are unknown, leading to derelict vessels.  

Members shared personal experiences, particularly in Florida, where the economic burden of removing abandoned boats is significant. They proposed a universal registration system to improve tracking of ownership and facilitate the removal of derelict boats, likening it to a "Carfax for boats." The committee also noted ongoing international collaborations, particularly NMMA's work with ICOMIA and the European boating industry, to conduct a life cycle assessment focused on sustainability and decarbonization. 

The need for better data on abandoned boats, especially inland, was deemed crucial, along with recognizing funding challenges, as resources are often directed to commercial sectors, leaving limited support for recreational boat removal. Overall, the committee expressed appreciation for collaborative efforts and looks forward to further progress in future meetings. 

Public comments and Adjourn 

There being no further business or public comments, Mr. Horton adjourned the meeting.  

Day 2: Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Convene Meeting and Confirm Quorum 

Tom McCann, the Designated Federal Officer, confirmed that a quorum was present and convened the meeting.

Offshore Wind, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

Brian Hooker, Biology Section Supervisor at the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), presented on the agency's role in offshore wind energy leasing. He emphasized the importance of compliance with environmental laws, such as the Magnuson-Stevens Act and the Endangered Species Act, and discussed the planning and environmental review processes that ensure sustainable management of U.S. outer continental shelf resources. Mr. Hooker highlighted ongoing studies to assess the impacts of offshore wind development on marine ecosystems.

USFWS Fish and Aquatic Conservation Strategic Plan Update

Tom McCann initiated the discussion on the Fish and Aquatic Conservation strategic plan noting the formation of an ad hoc subcommittee to garner further collaboration. The new strategic plan is projected to be drafted by summer 2025. 

Councilmembers highlighted strengths of the FAC program and 2016 strategic plan including effective cooperation in restoration, support for tribes through federal partnerships, and successful tourism-boosting mitigation efforts. However, they also identified weaknesses, including significant funding issues for hatcheries and the need for enhanced public engagement and outreach.

Suggested areas of focus included integrating climate considerations into strategic planning and establishing clearer policies regarding fish barriers and dam removals. Discussions supported increased visibility of FAC programs and integration at local and state levels, with an emphasis on storytelling and partnerships to improve public perception. The success of the program should be measured by community engagement and visible impacts rather than solely by agency recognition, with a focus on connecting the next generation with nature to promote well-being.

RBFF Update and Discussion

Dave Chanda, President and CEO of RBFF, expressed gratitude to the Council for their nominations to the RBFF Board. He highlighted a strategic planning session scheduled for June 24-26, 2025, in Alexandria, VA, encouraging Council participation for external insights.

Mr. Chanda detailed the organization’s focus on consumer and stakeholder engagement, noting the success of the "Find Your Best Self" campaign, which received a national award and generated 5.5 billion impressions. He mentioned successful partnerships, including a Disney excursion that reached over 700,000 people, and initiatives like the George HW Bush grant program aimed at engaging underserved communities.

Mr. Chanda emphasized the importance of collaboration with state fish and wildlife agencies, resulting in full-time coordinators in over 37 states, and discussed research on fishing and boating participation. During the Q&A, Chanda addressed concerns about alternative funding sources, highlighting the challenge of replacing significant revenue while staying true to their mission. Council members suggested attending an upcoming state workshop to better understand interactions with state agencies, and Mr. Chanda welcomed further discussion and collaboration with the Council.

Open Business

Rotenone 

The Council expressed concerns regarding the potential loss of the EPA registration for rotenone, a critical tool for fish population management and non-native species eradication. They discussed the implications of regulatory challenges and the need for collaborative efforts to address these issues, including potential partnerships with Canada and Europe to explore similar studies and regulatory frameworks. The Council unanimously voted to draft, provide for Council review, and send a letter to the appropriate secretaries to request assistance in identifying funding and administrative solutions to support the continued use of Rotenone.

Trust Fund Anniversary

Plans for the upcoming 75th anniversary of the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund in 2025 were discussed, with an emphasis on engaging policymakers and exploring alternative funding mechanisms to ensure the Fund's sustainability in the future. Members suggested gathering information on ongoing initiatives to better educate new members of Congress about conservation funding sources.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned by Mr. Horton, with no further business or public comments. 

Attendees

Council members (including alternates)

Daniel Andrews - Captains for Clean Water

Lucas Bissett - American Flyfishing Association 

Clay Crabtree – National Marine Manufacturer's Association

Jim Fredericks – Idaho Department of Fish and Game

Barb Gigar - Aquatic Resources Education Association 

Gene Gilliland – B.A.S.S. LLC

Chris Horton - Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation

Carl Klimah - Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Department of Natural Resources

Jennifer Koenig - Brunswick

John Langford - Project Healing Waters

Mike Leonard - American Sportfishing Association

Joseph Lewis - Mount Dora Boating Center and Marina

Candice Price - Urban America Outdoor Productions 

Tom Sadler - Marine Fish Conservation Network

Risa Shimoda - River Management Society

Nancy Stewart - State Organization for Boating Access (SOBA)

David Yoskowitz - Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Ex-officio Members and Appointed Representatives

Janet Coit, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA

Judy Camuso, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Steve Guertin, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Other Attendees

Thomas McCann, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Designated Federal Officer

Ashley Reimann, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, SFBPC Coordinator

Marilyn “Guppy” Blair, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Eric MacMillan, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Justin Cutler, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Russell Dunn, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Tim Sartwell, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Jason Rolfe, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Heidi Lovett, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Dave Chanda, Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation

Stephanie Vatalaro, Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation

Ron Regan, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Lissa Eng, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management 

Brian Hooker, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

Alexandra Schwaab, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Connor Bevan, American Sport Fishing Association

Linda Manning, The Council Oak

Julia Blass, The Council Oak

Meeting minutes were approved by Chris Horton, Council Chair, on January 10, 2025.