Florida licenses contribute to marine fisheries (And State coffers!)

Governor Charlie Crist signed CS/SB 1742 into law and repealed the resident shoreline exemption from the Florida Saltwater Fishing License. The shoreline exemption repeal was a top legislative priority for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and CCA Florida. With help from Senator Lee Constantine (R-Altamonte Springs), Senator Carey Baker (R-Eustis), and Representative Baxter Troutman (R-Winter Haven), the bill was carried through the Florida Legislature and placed on the Governors desk.

"The repeal means that shoreline anglers capable of buying a license will now be contributing to marine fisheries conservation," said Bill Bird, CCA Florida Chairman. "Most importantly the license amendment will save Florida anglers from having to pay 20 million dollars in additional federal angler registration fees."

Starting in 2010, The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) requires all anglers fishing in federal waters or for anadromous species to obtain a federal registration. The fee charged is anticipated to fall between $15 and $25 per angler, is authorized to commence in 2011, and will be deposited into the National Treasury. A provision in the MSA exempts states that have an adequate saltwater licensing system. The shoreline exemption, which kept Florida's licensing system from being qualified for the federal angler registry, has now been removed.

"The saltwater license will continue current exemptions for anglers over 65 and under 16 years of age," said Trip Aukeman, CCA Florida Deputy Director of Advocacy. New exemptions include those individuals who qualify for Medicaid or food stamp programs so that those persons fishing from the shoreline for sustenance would not have to buy a license.

No, it doesan't apply until Jan 1, 2010, on the federal level. Connecticut is quickly shoving through a bill to make it mandatory for June 15th. That's monday, and the bill hasn't even been signed by the governor. DEP Marine Fisheries News CT Marine Waters Fishing License: Basic Facts June 11, 2009 MARINE WATERS FISHING LICENSE IS REQUIRED EFFECTIVE JUNE 15, 2009* A Marine Waters Fishing License is required of anyone, age 16 and older, fishing in the Marine District from shore or a private vessel OR landing marine fish in Connecticut taken from outside Connecticut waters. Passengers fishing on a Connecticut registered party or charter fishing vessel are exempt from the Marine Waters Fishing License requirement. FEE: $10 residents (must have resided in Connecticut at least 1 year) / $15 non-resident. The license is free for resident anglers age 65 and older, but they MUST obtain a license each year. No Combo license with Marine and any other license. RECIPROCITY: Holders of a marine fishing license issued by the state of New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or Maine may fish in Connecticut with that state's marine fishing license provided that state offers the same privilege to Connecticut Marine Waters Fishing License holders. New York has a Marine License effective October 1, 2009. Fishing in New York waters: OK with Connecticut Marine Waters Fishing License for "those parts of Long Island Sound lying between New York and Connecticut." The precise boundary line has yet to be defined by NY. RI does not have a license yet, but their bill has full reciprocal provisions so a Connecticut resident Marine Waters Fishing License holder will be able to fish in RI when they institute a license. GETTING A LICENSE: Licenses are available now. Simply go to: DEP’s web site www.ct.gov/dep/fishing Select "Online Sportsmen Licenses" Scroll to the bottom of that page and select "START" OR: DEP Field Offices: Marine Headquarters (860.434.6043) M-F 8:00 am-4:00 pm Eastern District (860.295.9523) M-F 8:30 am-4:00 pm Western District (860.485.0226) M-F 8:30 am-4:00 pm Franklin WMA (860.642.7239) M-F 8:30 am-4:30 pm Sessions Woods (860.675.8130) M-F 8:30 am-4:00 pm DEP Main Office: 79 Elm St, Hartford, License & Revenue (860.424.3105) M-F 9:00 am-4:00 pm 79 Elm St, Hartford, DEP Store (860.424.3555) M-F, 9:00-3:30 pm. OR: For a list of vendors go to: www.ct.gov/dep/fishing, select "Permits & Licenses" and then "Participating Town Halls, designated vendor (tackle shop)". Revenue from the Marine Fishing License is required by state law to be used only for Fish and Wildlife Conservation Programs. *The Marine Waters Fishing License bill (HB5875) was passed by the state legislature with an effective date of June 15, 2009, and is being prepared for the Governor’s signature. Procedural details could cause a short delay in the bill becoming law.

Thanks for the link.

From the article: “”It’s unfortunate that something that people have taken to be in the public domain and available to everyone will now have the state as a gatekeeper,” he said. “Probably the only service people are going to get for this is more enforcement.”

That’s the general feeling around here. Yes, they have to implement this, ofr the feds would make us buy theirs, but the money should be going to fisheries management, NOT the general fund to buy more crack for ho’s.

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