ONE OF the state's simple pleasures - casting a baited hook off a pier or beach - is getting complicated, thanks to a proposal from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to require a license of up to $25 for recreational fishing in salt water. The fee seems excessive, especially for the fishermen who rarely raise anything more exotic than a native crab. But it is "inevitable," according to Mary Griffin, commissioner of the state Department of Fish and Game.
While the pressure on local fish stocks comes overwhelmingly from commercial trawlers, some species in Massachusetts waters, including striped bass, are taken mainly by recreational fishermen. NOAA needs accurate survey data on the type and amount of such catches to craft sensible fishing policies for the region. A database of anglers - to be funded by the license fees - would aid greatly in that research effort. But fishermen deserve something in return. The 183,000 freshwater license holders in the state can at least take comfort knowing that their fees are used to stock local ponds and streams. The estimated 1 million saltwater fishermen in the state need to know that buying licenses and cooperating with surveys will lead to better fishing.
NOAA's current proposal won't attract fishermen. The agency would require registration beginning next year and impose annual license fees estimated at $15-$25 by 2011. And all proceeds would be retained by the federal agency to issue the licenses and manage the database.
State commissioner Griffin offers a better way. She estimates that the state could collect the federally required information by issuing saltwater license fees at a cost of just $5-$15 and still have funds to use for conservation and stock management. She and her staff are already thinking about updating fish runs that allow migrating herring to lay their eggs in freshwater ponds and streams and improving public access to fishing spots. This could satisfy both local fishermen and NOAA requirements under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
Saltwater fishing licenses can be made palatable. One method would be to offer combination licenses that cover both freshwater and saltwater trips. Fishermen who now pay $27.50 for an annual freshwater license would more likely sit still for a charge of, say, $35 for a combined license. Lifetime licenses and elderly discounts could also take the sting out of any new fees.
Griffin is sounding out the recreational fishing associations. She is likely to find them cooperative, provided the new license fees are reasonable and targeted to fishing.
