On February 10, U.S. Representatives John Katko (R-NY-24) and Anthony Brindisi (D-NY-22) introduced the Safe Harbors for Our Recreation Economy (SHORE) Act. This bipartisan legislation would require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to account for recreation-based economic impacts in cost-benefit analysis procedures to prioritize funding […]

Hundreds of recreational boating industry stakeholders will descend on Washington, D.C. from May 12-14, 2020 for the American Boating Congress (ABC) – the industry’s annual advocacy summit to educate members of congress and the administration on issues impacting your business. And we cordially invite you to join us. ABC provides attendees with the unique opportunity […]

On Friday, January 31, MRAA submitted comments to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) in response for its request for industry comments on its Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: Restoration Blueprint. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is a significant destination for millions of recreational boaters and anglers […]

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas’ Board of Directors voted to adopt the Advisory Council of Marine Associations’ (ACMA) policy resolution to help direct the MRAA’s legislative and advocacy efforts for 2020. ACMA, created to advise the MRAA on its annual policy agenda, is comprised of state, regional and national marine trade associations, and […]

The MRAA is working with the U.S. Congress to address water resource problems around both the Great Lakes and the Upper Mississippi River Basin. We are looking for specific projects to point out to Congress, and to help them develop flood plans for the region. Is flooding affecting your business? Please email MRAA Government Relations […]

The Boat House Group is pleased to announce the acquisition of Bald Knob Marina in Johnsburg, IL. This transaction represents a significant step towards aggressively expanding the dealership footprint while supporting the growth and customer base of The Boat House and Bald Knob Marina. The acquisition will combine the current Boat House Chicago and Bald […]

On January 27, the Indiana House Committee on Natural Resources held a hearing on an amendment to House Bill 1385 #2, which would allow boaters to wake surf behind a forward-facing engine. MRAA, along with its partners, the National Marine Manufacturer Association and Water Sports Industry Association supported this measure. Two MRAA members, Preston Schenkel […]

On January 29, the Virginia House of Delegates Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on HB 1448, Menhaden; Management of the Fishery, which would transfer management authority for the fishery from Virginia’s General Assembly, to the Virginia Marine Resource Commission (VMRC). All other marine fisheries in the state are managed by VMRC. […]

On January 23, the Maine State Legislature Committee on Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business held a hearing on a bill (HB 1977) that would require manufacturers to provide comprehensive information and access to software and tools needed to repair products – including electronics, and marine engines— to untrained and uncertified technicians and individuals. MRAA […]

On January 9, 2020, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed Save our Seas 2.0 Act, a crucial step to address the growing water quality issues caused by marine debris.  Introduced by Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), final passage of this bill— which is supported by MRAA— would create a federal marine debris foundation, launch federal studies into […]