Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating - View Single Post

Van · 01-07-2003, 03:51 PM

Oh Oh,....

Subject: PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release: January 7, 2002
Contact: Herb Moore Jr., Director of Government Affairs
609-294-3315

RFA Opposed to Recreational Saltwater Fishing License in NJ

A recent study by an independent consulting firm investigating potential new revenue sources for the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife proposed that a recreational saltwater fishing license may be the answer. The study has created a wave of debate throughout the state with many viewing a license as an unnecessary tax. The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) is currently opposed to a recreational saltwater fishing license in NJ.

"Clearly, the funding for conservation and management of NJ marine resources is inadequate," said Jim Donofrio, RFA Executive Director. "But recreational fishermen should not be bear the burden of increasing the state budget when we already contribute over $50 million in state sales taxes and over $2 billion to the state's economy overall." In addition, recreational fishermen already pay federal excise taxes on boat fuel, fishing rods, reels and tackle.

The State Division of Fish and Wildlife is seeking to increase its Marine Fisheries Administration budget from $3.5 million to $9.45 million and increase its staff from 44 to 108 to enforce fisheries regulations and conduct research. The study says NJ could raise around $6 million a year by imposing a license on anglers.

"Recreational fishing adds a lot to our quality of life here in NJ. A license could turn a lot of people off," said Mr. Donofrio. "Our recreational fishing industry depends on public participation so a license could end up hurting boat builders, party and charter boat businesses, bait and tackle shop owners, as well as NJ tourism."

"It's hard to justify a recreational saltwater license when the fish we target migrate in and out of our state waters and most are harvested by both recreational and commercial fishermen," said Herb Moore, Jr., RFA Director of Government Affairs. "Take summer flounder, one of NJ's most popular recreational fish. Sixty percent of the catch is allocated to the commercial sector while recreational fishermen are left with only forty percent."

Some license advocates say the creation of a saltwater license would give anglers more clout in Trenton. "Political power comes from getting organized and campaigning," said Michael Doebley, RFA Deputy Director of Government Affairs. "Five of the fourteen Atlantic seaboard states currently have a recreational saltwater license and it hasn't given anglers the clout they deserve."

"RFA recognizes the need for more funding for research and management programs in NJ but this shouldn't come on the backs of recreational fishermen," said Mr. Donofrio. "The state should support other methods of funding such as a special striped bass license plate and a conservation lottery where revenue goes to the Division of Fish and Wildlife. Also, it may be time for the state to increase expenditures for an industry that contributes so much to the NJ economy."

RFA will be contacting members for input not only in NJ but also members in Pennsylvania who spend countless hours and dollars at the Jersey Shore pursuing their favorite fish.

The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) is a national, grassroots political action organization representing individual sport fishermen and the sport fishing industry. The RFA Mission is to safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers, protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs and ensure the long-term sustainability of U.S. saltwater fisheries. For more information, call 1-888-JOIN-RFA.

01-07-2003, 03:51 PM	#9
Van zoom iTrader: (0) Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Quincy Posts: 4,145	NJ Fishing license press release Oh Oh,.... Subject: PRESS RELEASE For immediate release: January 7, 2002 Contact: Herb Moore Jr., Director of Government Affairs 609-294-3315 RFA Opposed to Recreational Saltwater Fishing License in NJ A recent study by an independent consulting firm investigating potential new revenue sources for the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife proposed that a recreational saltwater fishing license may be the answer. The study has created a wave of debate throughout the state with many viewing a license as an unnecessary tax. The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) is currently opposed to a recreational saltwater fishing license in NJ. "Clearly, the funding for conservation and management of NJ marine resources is inadequate," said Jim Donofrio, RFA Executive Director. "But recreational fishermen should not be bear the burden of increasing the state budget when we already contribute over $50 million in state sales taxes and over $2 billion to the state's economy overall." In addition, recreational fishermen already pay federal excise taxes on boat fuel, fishing rods, reels and tackle. The State Division of Fish and Wildlife is seeking to increase its Marine Fisheries Administration budget from $3.5 million to $9.45 million and increase its staff from 44 to 108 to enforce fisheries regulations and conduct research. The study says NJ could raise around $6 million a year by imposing a license on anglers. "Recreational fishing adds a lot to our quality of life here in NJ. A license could turn a lot of people off," said Mr. Donofrio. "Our recreational fishing industry depends on public participation so a license could end up hurting boat builders, party and charter boat businesses, bait and tackle shop owners, as well as NJ tourism." "It's hard to justify a recreational saltwater license when the fish we target migrate in and out of our state waters and most are harvested by both recreational and commercial fishermen," said Herb Moore, Jr., RFA Director of Government Affairs. "Take summer flounder, one of NJ's most popular recreational fish. Sixty percent of the catch is allocated to the commercial sector while recreational fishermen are left with only forty percent." Some license advocates say the creation of a saltwater license would give anglers more clout in Trenton. "Political power comes from getting organized and campaigning," said Michael Doebley, RFA Deputy Director of Government Affairs. "Five of the fourteen Atlantic seaboard states currently have a recreational saltwater license and it hasn't given anglers the clout they deserve." "RFA recognizes the need for more funding for research and management programs in NJ but this shouldn't come on the backs of recreational fishermen," said Mr. Donofrio. "The state should support other methods of funding such as a special striped bass license plate and a conservation lottery where revenue goes to the Division of Fish and Wildlife. Also, it may be time for the state to increase expenditures for an industry that contributes so much to the NJ economy." RFA will be contacting members for input not only in NJ but also members in Pennsylvania who spend countless hours and dollars at the Jersey Shore pursuing their favorite fish. The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) is a national, grassroots political action organization representing individual sport fishermen and the sport fishing industry. The RFA Mission is to safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers, protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs and ensure the long-term sustainability of U.S. saltwater fisheries. For more information, call 1-888-JOIN-RFA.
	~..~..~.. ><((((º> Things done at the last possible minute are done with the greatest possible information. Procrastination is, therefore, the most efficient means of doing things.