To the Editor:
Regarding the commentary “Should the state or federal government manage our recreational fisheries” by Rep. Leila Percy that ran in the 2/11/10 edition, I think some clarification is in order.
It appears that Rep. Percy is desperately attempting to garner public support for her proposed tax scheme on recreational saltwater fishing in the form of a license. Furthermore, to accomplish this, she seems to be purposely misleading the public.
First of all, the title of the article itself suggests that if Maine does not impose a saltwater license of its own, then management of our recreational fisheries in state waters will somehow be “turned over to the federal government.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Whether Maine implements its own fee-based license program, elects to go with the mandated Federal Registry, or implements a free registry such as that proposed by Sen. David Trahan, nothing will change as far as fishery management goes.
No matter what registry or license program is applied:
Striped bass, bluefish and flounder will continue to be managed by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.
Cod, pollock and haddock will continue to be managed by the New England Fishery Management Council.
Mackerel will continue to be managed by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. Sharks and tuna will continue to be managed by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).
No change no matter what. Maine does not unilaterally manage any of our popular recreational finfish species.
Rep. Percy states that “the Bush administration moved to require all states to institute the National Saltwater Angler Registry.” This is misleading, and an attempt to blame the previous Republican administration.
The National Angler Registry was part of the reauthorized Magnuson Act (the set of laws that govern our nation’s fisheries), and was voted up unanimously by Congress. Furthermore, contrary to Rep. Percy’s statement, the registry does not require any state to do anything. It simply requires all persons in the U.S. to register if they plan to target anadromous fish such as striped bass and smelt. If a state already has a saltwater license, a person can purchase the state license and would thus not have to register with the feds.
Rep. Percy stated that Gordon Colvin of NMFS, who attended the recent Marine Resources Committee work session, said that any angler fishing in our state’s salt water “should” register with the federal government, ostensibly until a Maine saltwater license is implemented.
The truth is, however, that the federal registry requirement only pertains to people targeting striped bass, shad and smelt in state waters, and/or fishing in federal waters. Folks fishing for other species in state waters are not required by law to sign up. (This is a fact that Rep. Percy obviously doesn’t want to share.)
Rep. Percy also claimed in her article that Mr. Colvin said the Federal Registry (only required for striped bass, shad and smelt fishermen) would cost between $15 and $25 starting in 2011. The $15/$25 figure is the range contained in the Federal Registry bill. What Mr. Colvin did say at the work session was that these numbers were “conservatively high” and that the actual fee next year is likely to be lower.
Here’s the deal: The Federal Registry (free this year) only requires folks fishing for stripers, shad and smelt in Maine water (and anyone fishing in federal waters) to sign up, but, if the state implements its own saltwater license, all folks over the age of 16 fishing for any species including mackerel and pollock off public or private docks and floats, the shoreline, or in boats or kayaks, will be forced to purchase the proposed state license. (Ed note: emphasis by author.)
Which is better for Maine’s coastal economy and tourism businesses at this time?
Choice 1: Have striper fishermen register with the federal government, thus freeing up almost everyone else (including tens of thousands of tourists annually) to catch a few small fish in our state waters without having to worry about buying a license or signing up for any sort of registry. Paying customers of guide, charter and party boats are also totally exempt, even if fishing for stripers. Mr. Colvin stated that smelt camp owners could likely register on behalf of their customers as well.
Or,
Choice 2: Implement a state-mandated, fee-based license ($5 resident/$15 non-resident) that those same tens of thousands of folks, Maine families as well as out-of-state visitors — will have to find a way to purchase before legally casting a line off a dock or jetty? (By the way, the proposed fine is $100.)
I’m a striped bass fisherman, and have been for 50 years and I don’t mind having to register and pay a fee of perhaps $15 annually to the feds for the privilege of doing so if it means that thousands of Mainers and visitors can fish off our docks, piers and coastline for mackerel, pollock and flounder for free.
Obviously, however, Rep. Percy disagrees. For her, it seems, it’s all about the revenue that could be generated, and she wants to tax virtually everyone who wishes to access our coastal waters for an hour, or a day, of family recreational fishing. Then again, why are we not surprised?
Capt. Barry Gibson
New England Regional Director
Recreational Fishing Alliance
East Boothbay
