2022 Kenai Classic Roundtable Tackles Aquatic Invasive Species

AIS Blue Ribbon Commission Seeks Dialogue in Alaska

SOLDOTNA, Alaska--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The 9^th Annual Kenai Classic Roundtable included a robust discussion on the damage caused by aquatic invasive species. The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Blue Ribbon Commission shared concerns and sought input on solutions from an audience of key officials including U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Governor Mike Dunleavy and Dr. Richard Spinrad, NOAA^® Administrator.

“The annual Kenai Classic Roundtable is a platform for conversations about recreational angling policy,” said Martin Peters, Division Manager, External Affairs, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. “Aquatic Invasive Species are a growing and complex threat to fisheries and access. This year’s roundtable gave the Commission the opportunity to discuss the issues and propose solutions with decision makers. It’s our hope that this conversation and others like it will lead to comprehensive remedies for AIS.”

The Aquatic Invasive Commission, supported by Yamaha Rightwaters™, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP^®) and members of the $689 billion recreational industry, convenes leading biologists, environmentalists, policy makers and resource managers to assess existing mitigation efforts and identify more effective eradication solutions. The Commission plans to present findings to Congress and the administration in 2023 with the goal of passing comprehensive legislation to better manage aquatic invasive species.

Commission members include: John Arway, Retired State Director (PA); Elizabeth Brown, NAISMA; Sloane Brown, Yeti; Jason Christie, Yamaha Pro Angler; Jake Dree, Yeti^®; Marc Gaden, Great Lakes Fishery Commission; Gene Gilliland, B.A.S.S. ^®; Alanna Keating, BoatUS^®; Monica McGarrity, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; Ben Mohr, former director Kenai River Sportfishing Association; Steve Moyer, Trout Unlimited™; Stephen Phillips, Pacific States Marine Fisheries Comm’n; Mathew Van Daele, Sun’aq Tribe of Kodiak; Nick Wiley, Ducks Unlimited^®; Drue Winters, American Fisheries Society; Dennis Zabaglo, Tahoe Regional Planning, Ish Monroe, Yamaha Pro Angler; Mark Menendez, Yamaha Pro Angler.

The Commission plans to complete the white paper and recommendations by the end of 2022 and present the findings to Congress in 2023.

Yamaha Rightwaters is a national sustainability program that encompasses all of Yamaha Marine’s conservation and water quality efforts. Program initiatives include habitat restoration, support for scientific research, mitigation of invasive species, the reduction of marine debris and environmental stewardship education. Yamaha Rightwaters reinforces Yamaha’s long-standing history of natural resource conservation, support of sustainable recreational fishing and water resources and Angler Code of Ethics, which requires pro anglers to adhere to principles of stewardship for all marine resources.

Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit, based in Kennesaw, Ga., markets and sells marine outboard motors ranging in size from 2.5 to 425 horsepower. It also markets and sells fiberglass, jet-drive sport boats ranging from 19 to 27 feet, and personal watercraft. The unit includes manufacturing divisions of Yamaha Marine Systems Co., Inc., including Kracor of Milwaukee (rotational molding), Bennett Marine of Deerfield Beach, Fla. (trim tabs), and Yamaha Marine Precision Propellers of Indianapolis (stainless steel propellers). Yamaha Marine Group is a division of Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., based in Cypress, Calif.

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