The Economic Impact of the Recreational Marine Industry

The recreational marine industry is a powerful economic force in the United States, contributing more than $30 billion and approximately 400,000 jobs to our nation's economy each year. Read the fact sheet to learn more.

Canadian Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Built Recreational Boats

The Canadian government announced on Nov. 23, 2004 its intention to impose 100 percent surtax on U.S. recreational boats and other American products in an effort to urge the U.S. to comply with a World Trade Organization ruling requiring the repeal of the so-called Byrd Amendment. Read this brief to learn more.

Recreational Marine Employment Act

The Recreational Marine Employment Act (RMEA) is a key legislative priority for the recreational marine industry. The bill, which would exempt the industry from costly and duplicative insurance requirements under the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act, will ensure the vitality of small and medium-sized businesses across the nation.

Protect Your Product! EU Trademark & Design Protection Laws

The EU’s system of trademark and design protection is evolving and strengthening as the EU continues to grow. The EU is attempting to unify each of its member country’s protection system into two coherent systems. Meanwhile, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is working to make it easier for U.S. companies to file for trademark protection within the EU.

Export Tax Repeal Legislation (H.R. 4520)

President Bush signed into law major corporate tax reform legislation on October 22 which phased out the extraterritorial income (ETI) exclusion and replaced it with a substantial reduction in the corporate tax rate. This policy brief contains important information for NMMA members regarding these significant changes to the tax code.

U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy: Final Report

The U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy’s Final Report can be expected to fundamentally change the way America approaches federal, state, local, and regional ocean policy. Almost all of the proposed changes, from marine protected areas to regulatory enforcement, will have a corresponding and significant impact on the recreational marine industry.

Endangered Species Act Reform

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) has just turned 30 and is no longer functioning as intended. Enacted to help species in danger of disappearing forever, the ESA has instead become a litigator’s playground. NMMA supports sensible reforms to the ESA.

Wallop-Breaux Aquatic Resources Trust Fund

Through Wallop-Breaux, Congress allocates funds generated directly by boaters through taxes on motorboat fuel and fishing tackle, along with other fees, to provide boaters with new and improved docks and piers, wetlands conservation and boating safety programs, among many other boating and fishing initiatives.

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is an international treaty governing the world’s oceans. The treaty has the support of every major industry group it would affect because it is good for business.

NMMA Position Paper: UN Convention on the Law of the Sea

NMMA believes the marine manufacturing industry will reap significant dividends from the ratification of the Law of the Sea Treaty. Read this position paper to find out why.

Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Funding

The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW) connects Virginia to Florida, providing for a navigable waterway that is vital to this nation’s infrastructure. Unfortunately, funding shortfalls for maintenance may cause significant portions of AIWW to be closed.

Freedom to Fish Act

The Freedom to Fish Act outlines simple guidelines and protections for the use of MPAs and guards against the unwarranted restriction of sport fishing unless sound science shows that anglers are the cause of the problem. Blanket closures and no-fishing zones should not be viewed as the first solution, but rather the last.

Regional and Bilateral Free Trade Agreements

Free trade agreements, under the right conditions, eliminate tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers, open services markets, level the playing field for U.S. exporters, and inject new import competition into U.S. markets. The current momentum to liberalize global trade should be sustained.

Marine Mammal Protection Act

The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) was enacted in 1972 to protect and conserve marine mammal populations. The reauthorization and amendment of MMPA will continue U.S. commitment to the protection of marine mammals and ensure the continued enjoyment of the nation’s aquatic resources by the recreational boating community.