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| 6 ARNOLD ROAD, COVENTRY, RHODE ISLAND 02816 |
| Rhode Island Forms Marine Recreational Fishing License/Registry Group group to investigate the possibility of a saltwater license |
| from the October, 2008 newsletter |
| The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) has begun a process of investigating how a marine recreational fishing license could work in Rhode Island. Most of the coastal states in the country already have a license program in place. Of the 5 coastal states that don't have a license, only Rhode Island and New Jersey had not begun this planning process. *Note: Massachusetts has just completed the process and anonymous sources have said that a $15 annual fee for both residents and non-residents has been proposed. The Massachusetts DMF now has a page on their official web site explaining about the license. The Rhode Island Study Group has been set up, and it was determined that a small group of 14 recreational fishing leaders would comprise this group. After a planned initial organizational meeting in October to set ground rules and plot a course of action, it was expected that future meetings would be open to the public to keep the process as visible as possible. The R.I. Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) was contacted and asked to assist in setting up the group, and while RISAA has taken no stand pro/con on any license proposal, the Board of Directors determined that RISAA needs to be involved in ANY proposal that could come forward. The Board, in its decision to participate in the process, noted that the mandatory Federal Angler Registry will be free in 2009 and 2010, but in 2011 there will be a proposed $15-$25 fee attached. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has encouraged the states to maintain its own license program, and the Board feels that members' funds would be better invested in the state than federal level IF a license came about. RIDEM Director W. Michael Sullivan sent letters to the selected individuals, inviting them to be part of this Study Group, explaining the reason behind it, how it would be comprised, and what it would accomplish. In the letter, Sullivan stated: |
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"I write to ask for your partipation in a study of the marine recreational fishing license issue, as it pertains to Rhode Island.
I have asked Steve Medeiros, President of the R.I. Saltwater Anglers Association, to co-chair the study group, and Steve has agreed to do so.
Bob Ballou will represent DEM and co-chair. As you may know, last year's reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act included a provision requiring a new national saltwater angler registry. The expressed purpose of this registry is the collection of valid data on participation and catch. In response, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration has begun developing the federal program, for implementation next year. The federal law allows anglers to be exempt from federal registration if they fish in a state that has its own registry or licensing program in place, which meets minimum federal requirements. |
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| In view of the above, a careful examination of the new federal requirements and their implications for Rhode Island fishermen is
in order. I believe that a well-rounded study group that reflects the interests of the State’s recreational fishing community
is the best vehicle for assessing the State’s options and making recommendations on how best to proceed.
Attached is a list of fourteen individuals who have distinguished themselves as leaders within the recreational fishing community.
It is my hope that you will all be willing to participate in this important endeavor." |
| The Recreational Marine License Study Group |
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Bob Ballou • Co-chair R.I. Department of Environmental Management Assistant to the Director/Legislative Policy Stephen Medeiros • Co-chair President, R.I. Saltwater Anglers Association R.I. Marine Fisheries Council Jeff Barker, Jr. President, West Bay Anglers Frank Blount The Frances Fleet New England Fisheries Council Fred Brown President, Jamestown Striper Club Michael Bucko Bucko's Parts & Tackle R.I. representative to ACCSP Albert Conti Snug Harbor Marina Representative, R.I. Marine Trades Association Robert Ferioli President, Bristol County Striper Club Bruce Getchell 2nd Vice President, R.I. Saltwater Anglers Association Richard Hittinger R.I. Marine Fisheries Council Board, R.I. Saltwater Anglers Association Edward Kearney 1st Vice President, R.I. Saltwater Anglers Association Richard Lafaille President, Weekapaug Surfcasters Daniel Maia President, Ocean State Surfcasters John Mazurak President, East Bay Anglers David Peterson President, Narragansett Surfcasters John Rainone President, RI Party/Charter Boat Assn |
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