WASHINGTON — National Marine Manufacturers Association vice-president of Government Relations Monita W. Fontaine has been appointed to the Board of Directors for the National Endangered Species Act Reform Coalition, of which NMMA is a member.

The National Endangered Species Act Reform Coalition is a broad-based coalition of roughly 150 member organizations, representing millions of individuals across the United States, that is dedicated to bringing balance back to the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The coalition's membership includes rural irrigators, municipalities, farmers, electric utilities and many other individuals and organizations that are directly affected by the ESA.

According to NMMA, the current interpretation of the 1973 Endangered Species Act has strayed significantly from the original intent of the law and does not take into account the impact on the quality of life of people directly affected by ESA classifications. Restrictions on access to waterways that often result from these classifications substantially affect the boating community.

"NMMA is pleased to be a part of the much-needed National Endangered Species Act Reform Coalition," said Fontaine. "The implementation of the Endangered Species Act must be based upon sound scientific research. I look forward to helping reform the 1973 legislation and direct the goals of the coalition as a member of the NESARC Board of Directors."

NMMA supports H.R. 1662, the Sound Science for Endangered Species Act Planning Act of 2003, authored by Congressman Greg Walden (R-Oregon), as well as S. 369, the Endangered Species Listing and Delisting Process Reform Act of 2003, authored by Senator Craig Thomas (R-Wyoming). Both bills would require that the Act be implemented based on sound science and also provide for consideration of commercial data in assessing the economic impact of ESA classifications and recovery.