NMMA - National Marine Manufacturers Association Inc.
01/26/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/26/2026 00:10
House Natural Resources Hearing Underscores Need for Increased Boating Access
On Tuesday, January 13, the House Committee on Natural Resources' Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries held an oversight hearing titled Hunting and Fishing Access in the Great American Outdoors. The hearing focused on recreational access across public lands and waters nationwide.
Chris Butler, president of Butler Marine in Beaufort, South Carolina, testified on behalf of the recreational marine industry. Butler emphasized the boating community's longstanding role in conservation and the need for industry input in policymaking. He pointed to emerging technologies, including vessel detection tools, as examples of how collaboration can improve environmental outcomes while preserving access. He also shared a personal experience of using radar technology to detect a North Atlantic right whale, underscoring how innovation can support both conservation and safe navigation.
Other witnesses included Brian Nesvik, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Jason Tharpe, CEO of Delta Waterfowl; Paul Johansen, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources; and Ryan "Cal" Callaghan, President and CEO of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. Lawmakers on the panel highlighted the importance of sustained investment in access and infrastructure. Rep. Val Hoyle, D-Ore., said that "hunters and anglers deserve access to the places their dollars help protect." Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., pointed to the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund as a model of science-based conservation that supports long-term stewardship. Nesvik said the Sport Fish Restoration program is critical for state agencies that manage access and infrastructure, noting that boating access depends on facilities like docks and ramps.
The recreational marine industry relies on dependable investment in boating access points, including ramps, docks, and waterways maintenance. The hearing underscored the role Congress plays in ensuring these programs remain funded and effective.
NMMA actively monitors congressional hearings affecting recreational boating and engages lawmakers and staff to advance policies that protect access to public waters and strengthen recreation infrastructure. For more information on infrastructure developments or access issues impacting marine manufacturing, contact Cameron Nelson, Senior Manager of Federal Relations, at [email protected].
Left to right: Mr. Jason Tharpe, CEO, Delta Waterfowl; Mr. Chris Butler, President, Butler Marine; Mr. Ryan Callaghan, President and CEO, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers; Mr. Paul Johansen, Chief, Wildlife Resources Section, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
NMMA - National Marine Manufacturers Association Inc. published this content on January 26, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on January 26, 2026 at 06:10 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]