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The California Boating Congress (CBC) is where the marine industry and boating community congregate in Sacramento to advocate on issues of importance to the boating community. The CBC provides a platform for industry leaders to engage with policymakers and address topics such as boating safety, environmental concerns, and economic impact. The 2025 CBC was held on May 27th–28th, and was well attended by California legislators.
Representatives from the Marine Recreation Association (MRA), the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the California Yacht Brokers Association, the California Association of Harbor Masters and Port Captains, BoatUS, the Personal Watercraft Industry Association, the Coastal Conservation of California (CCA CAL) and the Recreational Boaters of California (RBOC) were in attendance as well as the Deputy Director and two Commissioners from the CA Division of Boating and Waterways.
The two-day advocacy event started Tuesday with the California boating community hearing from the California Business Roundtable and receiving a legislative update on key policy issues of note for the California boating community.
Wednesday kicked off with remarks from U.S. Representative John Garamendi (D-CA), a key member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and long-time champion of industry issues. Rep. Garamendi highlighted his efforts at the federal level to address abandoned and derelict vessels as well as aquatic invasive species, both of which are top priorities for the industry in California.
NMMA's Chief Administrative Officer and Senior Vice President of Operations Robert Newsome delivered remarks to the attendees, highlighting the $17.3 billion annual economic impact of the recreational boating industry in California and the current state of the industry.
Two agenda topics were of particular interest, namely, the golden mussel infestation and the CA Outdoor Sporting Caucus.
Golden Mussels -For those of you who enjoy boating and fishing on freshwater lakes and rivers, an invasive golden mussel infestation is currently impacting the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in California. First detected in October 2024 near the Port of Stockton, this is the first known occurrence of golden mussels in North America. The mussels, likely introduced by a ship from an international port, have already spread to multiple locations within the Delta. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and other state agencies are actively working on a response framework to contain the spread and mitigate the impacts. https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/california-takes-action-to-halt-golden-mussel-invasion
The California Legislative Outdoor Sporting Caucus was established to protect and promote California's wildlife, their habitats, and the ability of the public to participate in wildlife-related recreational activities. It emphasizes wildlife-related activities that bring us in closer contact with and promote a greater appreciation of California's natural resources.
As a bi-partisan, bi-cameral group the caucus' goal is to protect and enhance California's wildlife habitats and to further the understanding and acceptance of outdoor activities throughout the state. The caucus will also be an important tool to support the interests of California's many outdoor enthusiasts, as well as provide a bi-partisan voice for outdoor sporting issues within the State Legislature.
A group of four freshman Assembly Members who are part of the caucus were the panelists addressing questions on what the caucus is promoting. Especially impressive was the enthusiasm of Assembly Member Alexandra Maceda, who represents Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties.
In reviewing their website at https://outdoorsportingcaucus.legislature.ca.gov/, we are thrilled to see that a Southern California Assembly Member, Diane Dixon, is a member of the caucus.
At the legislative Meet and Greet, participants were able to spend time with Assembly Member Laurie Davies (representing Dana Point and other southern CA cities), who is always interested in assisting constituents when able to do so, and Assembly Member Diane Dixon. Both of these ladies never miss this event!
#dpboaters #RBOC
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