The time has come for NY Saltwater anglers to accept that we will soon have a saltwater fishing license. It's down to NY and NJ on the coast, as being the only two states not to have one.
Heres what we have so far.
Goal: Re-implement a fee-based Saltwater
fishing license for New York
Improve opportunities for NY Recreational fishing community. I would need to know more particulars
Improve marine fisheries management and enforcement. I'm not sure how $$ would be spent on management, but I don't agree with added enforcement.
Improve outreach, education, and research Again, more information.
Provide improved fiscal resources.
Only three of the 23 US Coastal States do not have a fee-based license New York, New Jersey, Hawaii
($15 Federal Registry exemption)
Fees range from $7 - $54 annually. $10 - $146 non-resident
All States with a fee-based license are enjoying expanded recreational fishing opportunities and improved
management
We forgo $ millions in federal funds annually
NY could enjoy additional $ millions annually (State sales plus federal augments)
NY had a license in 2009-10 but was rescinded in 2011. NY generated $3 million in additional revenue
for the one year; fees were refunded.
NY can have a fee license again if done correctly.
It will be between 10-$20 a year between the ages of 16-65
How Should we Spend the new Revenues?
Revenues from licenses support major marine programs (not in priority order)
Artificial Reefs
Increased Enforcement
Shoreline access sites/ Ocean Fishing Pier
Boat Ramps
Outreach and Education – Increase participation and stewardship
Improved management data
Staffing/equipment support for Marine Recreational Fishing Programs
Expanded Field Studies
Research
4 new reefs; 16 total
$500K annual budget
Except $10 million/yr. during Reef Initiative
SWL - $3 million/year
~ 2,700 miles of coastline in the Marine and Coastal District
Plus 3 miles and beyond into the Atlantic Ocean
Plus dozens of Bays, Coves, Rivers, Tidal Straights, etc
Currently <10 Officers to cover
Enforcement also responsible for Federal JEA and Homeland Security
Fishing Community Constantly Complaining over lack of enforcement
Spending plan – Phased over Several Years
Phase 1: Service to Anglers – 2024-2025
Artificial Reefs: increase from $500K to $3 million annually
Law Enforcement: Law Enforcement: $1 million 2024; $2 million 2025
and beyond
Five (5) new MEU Officers
Shoreline Access - $1million 2024; $2 million 2025 and beyond
Marine Waterway access sites
Ocean Fishing Pier
Outreach and Education – $500,000
Fishing clinics
Kiosks
SW Fishing Guide
Phase 2: 2025-2026: $2.5million
Field Survey Enhancements
MRIP Sampling Frequency increase
Angler surveys (What works, what does not, improvements
SW Fishing Guide
Phase 3: Ecosystem Programs
Phase 3: 2026 - 2027: $1+ million per year
Research
Habitat Preservation
So there you have it. This thing will be wrapped up in a bow by the end of September with legislation soon to follow. I will be doing a podcast on my thoughts this week.
Heres what we have so far.
Goal: Re-implement a fee-based Saltwater
fishing license for New York
Improve opportunities for NY Recreational fishing community. I would need to know more particulars
Improve marine fisheries management and enforcement. I'm not sure how $$ would be spent on management, but I don't agree with added enforcement.
Improve outreach, education, and research Again, more information.
Provide improved fiscal resources.
Only three of the 23 US Coastal States do not have a fee-based license New York, New Jersey, Hawaii
($15 Federal Registry exemption)
Fees range from $7 - $54 annually. $10 - $146 non-resident
All States with a fee-based license are enjoying expanded recreational fishing opportunities and improved
management
We forgo $ millions in federal funds annually
NY could enjoy additional $ millions annually (State sales plus federal augments)
NY had a license in 2009-10 but was rescinded in 2011. NY generated $3 million in additional revenue
for the one year; fees were refunded.
NY can have a fee license again if done correctly.
It will be between 10-$20 a year between the ages of 16-65
How Should we Spend the new Revenues?
Revenues from licenses support major marine programs (not in priority order)
Artificial Reefs
Increased Enforcement
Shoreline access sites/ Ocean Fishing Pier
Boat Ramps
Outreach and Education – Increase participation and stewardship
Improved management data
Staffing/equipment support for Marine Recreational Fishing Programs
Expanded Field Studies
Research
4 new reefs; 16 total
$500K annual budget
Except $10 million/yr. during Reef Initiative
SWL - $3 million/year
~ 2,700 miles of coastline in the Marine and Coastal District
Plus 3 miles and beyond into the Atlantic Ocean
Plus dozens of Bays, Coves, Rivers, Tidal Straights, etc
Currently <10 Officers to cover
Enforcement also responsible for Federal JEA and Homeland Security
Fishing Community Constantly Complaining over lack of enforcement
Spending plan – Phased over Several Years
Phase 1: Service to Anglers – 2024-2025
Artificial Reefs: increase from $500K to $3 million annually
Law Enforcement: Law Enforcement: $1 million 2024; $2 million 2025
and beyond
Five (5) new MEU Officers
Shoreline Access - $1million 2024; $2 million 2025 and beyond
Marine Waterway access sites
Ocean Fishing Pier
Outreach and Education – $500,000
Fishing clinics
Kiosks
SW Fishing Guide
Phase 2: 2025-2026: $2.5million
Field Survey Enhancements
MRIP Sampling Frequency increase
Angler surveys (What works, what does not, improvements
SW Fishing Guide
Phase 3: Ecosystem Programs
Phase 3: 2026 - 2027: $1+ million per year
Research
Habitat Preservation
So there you have it. This thing will be wrapped up in a bow by the end of September with legislation soon to follow. I will be doing a podcast on my thoughts this week.
