Last night the waterways committee met to discuss some changes at our little marina. The discussion centered on the definition of a "commercial fisherman." There is a row of prime slips which can accomodate large vessels, up to 42 or more feet. The committee has floated the idea that those slips become "commercial only" slips.
The problem is who is a commercial fisherman?
The waterways committee says anyone who earns 51% of their income from commercial fishing. The guys who stand to lose their slips say any vessel that holds commercial permits is a commercial fisherman, regardless of how much they earn or how often the fish. And the tempers flared!!!! People stormed out!!!!! Curses were yelled!!!!! Insults flew!!!!!!
Even though I stood to lose my slip, I could see the point of the commercial guys. God knows they have been cut back at every turn. However, it turns out that this issue will most likely die on the vine as it has in past years. Had I lost my slip I wouldn't have complained. I recreate on my boat, it's a toy. I wouldn't want to have to earn my mortgage money based upon the number of fish I land! I'd be homeless!!!
So, I have my slip again. The rates are going up however, I'll have to fork over about $1,575 a year now.... yeah, I won't complain!!!!!!
