06-11-2009, 09:49 AM
Fishing registry the right choice
Connecticut Post Staff
Updated: 06/10/2009 05:11:21 PM EDT
Saltwater fishermen say they're unhappy with a national registry set to go into effect next year. Their complaints are valid, but misguided. Starting in 2010, federal law requires all saltwater fishermen in the U.S. to be registered, whether they fish from a boat or from shore. In most states, the registration includes an annual fee of $10 to $25.
At the close of the state Assembly's regular session, Connecticut lawmakers approved a state registry, approving a bill that charges $10 to $15 for saltwater fishing licenses.
Experts say it's a necessary step because no one knows how many saltwater fishermen are out there or what they're catching. They do know that many popular saltwater fish have seen huge depletions in population. This is a way to gather information to protect against overfishing.
The federal law is in place. The state statute simply means that Connecticut will run the registry and accept the proceeds, rather than Washington. The money will help pay for administrative costs and services, such as public land acquisition for fishing.
Estimates as to the number of recreational fishermen in this country run from about 15 million to 25 million, accounting for about 250 million pounds of fish per year. That's a lot of fish, but it's almost trivial compared to the 9.4 billion pounds commercial fishermen catch. However, recreational fishermen grab enough popular Northeastern species, including striped bass and bluefish, to endanger their
populations.
The only way to keep track today is a phone survey that reaches a fisherman on one out of about 20 calls, officials say. Better, more accurate numbers will mean better protection for endangered fish populations, along with more money to purchase public land.
It's a long-accepted fact that hunters and freshwater fisherman need to register and pay a fee to go about their business. Something about the vastness of the ocean has apparently led people to think saltwater ought to operate under different rules, but it's all of a piece.
It's a nominal fee, and it serves a legitimate public purpose. It's an example of the state getting something right.
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Connecticut Post Staff
Updated: 06/10/2009 05:11:21 PM EDT
Saltwater fishermen say they're unhappy with a national registry set to go into effect next year. Their complaints are valid, but misguided. Starting in 2010, federal law requires all saltwater fishermen in the U.S. to be registered, whether they fish from a boat or from shore. In most states, the registration includes an annual fee of $10 to $25.
At the close of the state Assembly's regular session, Connecticut lawmakers approved a state registry, approving a bill that charges $10 to $15 for saltwater fishing licenses.
Experts say it's a necessary step because no one knows how many saltwater fishermen are out there or what they're catching. They do know that many popular saltwater fish have seen huge depletions in population. This is a way to gather information to protect against overfishing.
The federal law is in place. The state statute simply means that Connecticut will run the registry and accept the proceeds, rather than Washington. The money will help pay for administrative costs and services, such as public land acquisition for fishing.
Estimates as to the number of recreational fishermen in this country run from about 15 million to 25 million, accounting for about 250 million pounds of fish per year. That's a lot of fish, but it's almost trivial compared to the 9.4 billion pounds commercial fishermen catch. However, recreational fishermen grab enough popular Northeastern species, including striped bass and bluefish, to endanger their
populations.
The only way to keep track today is a phone survey that reaches a fisherman on one out of about 20 calls, officials say. Better, more accurate numbers will mean better protection for endangered fish populations, along with more money to purchase public land.
It's a long-accepted fact that hunters and freshwater fisherman need to register and pay a fee to go about their business. Something about the vastness of the ocean has apparently led people to think saltwater ought to operate under different rules, but it's all of a piece.
It's a nominal fee, and it serves a legitimate public purpose. It's an example of the state getting something right.
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