Was 2011 a record year for crabbing?

Recreational boaters and crabbers enjoyed expanded crabbing seasons throughout the Puget Sound in 2011. The Seattle Times' Mark Yuasa spent time on the water recently with NMTA Director of Fishing Affairs Tony Floor in the south sound to experience first-hand the impact of those expansions.Click here to read about Mark's crabbing adventure online.

Seattle Boat Show's Facebook page gains in popularity

The Seattle Boat Show Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/SeattleBoatShow) is gaining fans quickly as the show approaches, which runs from January 27-February 5.

Currently, the page ranks #3 in the world (and #2 in the U.S.) for Facebook fans among boat shows with 3,400+ people, behind #1 Bahrain Boat Show with 10,795 fans, and #2 Miami Boat Show with 4,235. Take a look and like us on Facebook!

Legislative priorities set for next session

Now that the special session has concluded in Olympia with the legislature finding about $500 million in savings, all eyes are set for the 2012 legislative session. This 60-day session commences on January 9 and is expected that the $1.5 billion hole in the budget will garner the vast majority of attention.

This past week, Three Sheets NW (www.threesheetsnw.com), a blog dedicated to covering recreational boating issues, went in depth on what's on NW Marine Trade Association's agenda.

Complete coverage here: http://tinyurl.com/chsqm5q

Additionally, Ann Avary, who runs the NW Center of Excellence & Marine Technology, spent thirty minutes recently with NMTA's Director of Government Affairs to learn more about the economic impact study and to hear what's in store for their government affairs program. That interview is here: http://tinyurl.com/c8wk4p3

100+ members attend NMTA Annual Meeting

More than 100 members attended NMTA's Annual Meeting in Seattle last night. The business and social event featured a "Year in Review" led by George Harris, detailing the activities and accomplishments of NMTA during 2011. Congressman Jay Inslee also spoke to the audience via Skype from his office in Washington DC.

The night concluded with four industry awards:
Robert Rittenhouse Award (given to an individual from Oregon who has made a significant contribution to the boating industry: Trey Carskadon of BDC Advertising for his longtime work to prommote boating through the region.

Latham Goble Award (given to an individual outside the boating industry who has made a significant contribution to the industry: Michael Campbell, former NMTA president from 1999-2009

Jerry Brant Award (given to an individual in the boating industry who has made a significant contribution to the industry: Dwight Jones, manager of Elliott Bay Marina

Legislator of the Year Award: Rep. Dave Upthegrove (view Rep. Upthegrove's acceptance speech)

Thanks to the NMTA Annual Meeting sponsors: Fisheries Supply, Westmar Insurance, Windworks Sailing Center, Wells Fargo Advisors, Pacific Maritime Title, and Global Marine Insurance.

Member appointed to Fish & Wildlife Commission

Larry Carpenter, owner of NMTA member business Master Marine in Mount Vernon, was appointed to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission by Governor Gregoire this week.

The commission is a nine-member citizen panel that sets policy for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Members are appointed by the governor to six-year terms. The commission holds public meetings that provide an opportunity for citizens to participate in management of Washington's fish and wildlife. Three members must reside east of the summit of the Cascade mountains, three must reside west of the summit and three may reside anywhere in the state.

To view the full press release, click on http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/dec0711a/

Derby Series wraps up at Resurrection Derby

69 teams of over 200 fishermen descended on Friday Harbor Dec. 1st for the 2011 Resurrection Derby, leaving no doubt that the San Juan Islands are the mecca of winter Chinook fishing in the Northwest. A total of 96 hatchery origin fish were weighed in for the Friday and Saturday event. The first fish to hit the scales was also the biggest at 22.34 lbs, caught by Walt Vanwingerden and his Grandson Tommy of Bellingham. This blackmouth eclipsed last years winner by over 2lb.s. Fair weather and fair fishing saw more fish caught the second day. Angler Steve Grey and skipper Mark Schinman of Everett reeled in a big fish over 20lb.s, shaking up the leader board and landing in 2nd. place. Team Defiance Boats out of Bremerton rounded out the top three. Last year’s winner, Team Big Kahuna, netted total weight honors with 63.52 lbs.

This Puget Sound Anglers event has quickly become one of the most coveted tickets on the Northwest Salmon Derby Series. A true gathering of the elite saltwater fishermen in the Northwest, and a brother and sisterhood of anglers who represent the best of what sportfishing has to offer. ESPN's The Outdoor Line from KIRO 710 broadcast live and fished the derby, adding to a large crowd for the official weigh in at Friday Harbor Seafood. All proceeds from this selective retention tournament will go to Salmon enhancement and hatchery projects.

Link to on-line tickets

The link is now up so don't hesitate to get your Seattle Boat Show tickets.

Here you go: http://www.seattleboatshow.com/buy-tickets.html