The influence and economic impact of the recreational boating and fishing industry are being highlighted at the American Boating Congress (ABC) taking place in Washington DC.
The event will impart the significance of the industry as part of the $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation economy with advocates meeting with lawmakers to discuss the industry’s most pressing issues.
According to figures from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), recreational boating accounts for more than $230 billion in economic output annually in the US and supports more than 812,000 jobs.
Around 95% of all boats sold in the US are made in the US and around 93% of boat manufacturers are small businesses.
The discussions at the ABC will reflect a focus on protecting the industry’s ability to operate and grow.
Those include protecting public waters and boating access, keeping US marine manufacturing globally competitive, improving and expanding recreation infrastructure and driving industry sustainability and innovation progress.
“Our industry faces headwinds. We are at a time of intense regulatory activity with federal regulations impacting businesses and industries at a $3 trillion cost to our economy,” said NMMA president and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer.
“These headwinds include the proposed vessel speed restriction rule along the Atlantic seaboard, the aluminium extrusion antidumping and countervailing duties petitions, and the continued need for resilient recreational infrastructure.”
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