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 […]

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross issued a statement threatening to temporarily close Chesapeake Bay’s menhaden fishery if the state of Virginia does not comply with federal quotas by June 17, 2020.  In a win for recreational fishing, the U.S. Department of Commerce found Virginia out of compliance for permitting Omega Protein Corp., which accounts […]

SAINT PAUL, MN – December 13, 2019 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, along with its outdoor recreation partners, applaud yesterday’s announcement by Governor Tim Walz to create an Outdoor Recreation Task Force in the State of Minnesota. Establishing the Task Force formalizes the state’s commitment to its robust outdoor recreation economy, which […]

On November 15, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Attorney General Leticia James expanded the state’s lawsuit against the International Joint Commission (IJC) for failing to implement proper flooding protocols for the Moses-Saunders Power Dam along the St. Lawrence river. This filing builds on the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s lawsuit against the […]

On Saturday, November 9, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recognized an 18-mile stretch of Maryland’s Potomac River as the Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary. In attendance was Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, and senior NOAA and U.S. Department of Commerce officials. The sanctuary’s formal designation took place […]