us the opportunity to “show the flag” to thousands of sportsmen and their families and pitch CCA-Maine mem- bership opportunities.
NEW HAMPSHIRE Support for volunteer angler survey
CCANH is supporting the NH Fish & Game Department’s Marine Division Volunteer Angler Striped Bass Survey. This annual survey collects data such as the size and number of striped bass caught, or caught-and-released, by par- ticipating volunteer anglers. It also records the methods used, such as boat fishing or wading, and the type of tack- le used including conventional tackle or fly fishing. The survey has been con- ducted by NH Fish & Game since 1993, and the data collected is used by state and federal fisheries biologists to assess the status of the striped bass population each year. Since 2000, CCA NH has helped to
increase participation in this survey by handing out survey forms and encour- aging both members and non-members to participate in the volunteer survey as part of its annual outreach at sport- ing shows and other events. The chap- ter also annually donates a signed and framed Victor E. Young striped bass print called “Shadow” to the NH Fish & Game Department. This valuable print is used as a prize for the winner of a random drawing from the pool of Volunteer Striped Bass Survey partici- pants. This year, Greg Downing of Gilmanton, a survey participant since 1996, was the lucky winner.
Tuna Mania VI another success
who this year shared some of the results from her ongoing tagging research. Other presentations included mem- bers of the USCG and NOAA Fisheries Law Enforcement who presented the latest regulations that help safeguard this important New England fishery. Information included videos on ethical angling for this highly prized game- fish. Auctions and raffles held at this event help raise money for bluefin tuna research including the ongoing tagging program that CCANH members con- tinue to participate in annually during the summer and fall migratory run that passes near the coast.
All attendees who became members
or renewed their CCA memberships were entered into a drawing for a $300 gift card generously donated for the event by the Kittery Trading Post.
Keeping a watchful legislative eye CCA NH is keeping a watchful eye
on several bills making their way through the New Hampshire Legis- lature during this very busy session. Bills which could potentially adversely affect coastal wetlands through chang- ing the definition for prime wetlands and altering permitting requirements are being brought forward. Other bills seek to change or repeal the state’s Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act. CCA NH will monitor the pro- gress of these bills as they move through the House and Senate, and is prepared to testify if it appears legisla- tive changes will put our coastal marine resources at risk.
NEW YORK License in limbo
New York’s saltwater fishing license, which has been attacked by the state’s recreational fishing industry since its inception, has suffered another setback.
The sixth annual Tuna Mania Symposium which was held in January at the Red Hook Brewery in Portsmouth was another sell-out event with a lengthy waiting list for tickets. The annual event featured renowned bluefin tuna researcher, Dr. Molly Lutcavage,
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Early in the year, the New York State Senate placed language in its omnibus budget bill that would eliminate the license and replace it with a free regis- tration. The Assembly did not have such language in its bill, and initially expressed an intent to stand firm and oppose repeal. However, in discussions between representatives of the Senate, Assembly and Governor’s office, it was agreed that the licensing requirement would be suspended for two years, and be replaced by a free registration. In the short term, no one knows what that means. The provision is to become
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effective 180 days after enactment, which means that, for most of the 2011 season, New York’s saltwater anglers could need a license. However, given the pending suspension of the license requirement, it is also very possible that the licensing requirement will not be enforced. The state does not seem to have decided precisely how to proceed. What is also unclear is how the Department of Environmental Conser- vation’s Marine Bureau will be funded in the long term. For the next two years, lost license revenues are sup- posed to be made up by revenues from the state’s General Fund. However, beginning in the 2012-2013 year, the Marine Bureau will lose more than $1 million in federal matching funds as a result of the license suspension. With- out that money, it will be unable to sup- port existing programs. It’s not clear exactly where cuts will be made, but anglers can be pretty certain that the work on artificial reefs, launch ramps and dock facilities that was to have been paid for out of license revenues and federal matching funds will now be cancelled.
In fact, it is very likely that New
York will have extreme difficulty in meeting its basic fisheries management responsibilities, including data collec- tion required under various Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission management plans. If such ASMFC requirements are not met, it is possible that ASMFC could find New York out of compliance with the plans’ man- dates, and that entire fisheries will be closed until the state provides the needed information. Amemo opposing revocation of the license, issued by New York’s Conser- vation Fund Advisory Board (a panel comprised of sportsman which advises how revenues from hunting, trapping and freshwater fishing licenses could best be spent), noted that “there is a large amount of false information being distributed on recreational marine fishing license sales and where these funds are spent.” CFAB’s com- ment was a textbook example of diplo- matic understatement, given that opponents of the license never hesitat- ed to utilize half-truths and, in many cases, outright falsehoods to advance their cause, and took advantage of a sympathetic downstate angling press to suppress any discussion of the license’s benefits. Now, after the suspension has passed both houses of the legislature, many anglers seem to be feeling a bit of
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