Saltwater fishing licenses become state law
Rell leaves announcement of unpopular measure to DEP By Judy Benson Published on 7/3/2009
Gov. M. Jodi Rell on Wednesday signed into law the bill requiring saltwater fishing licenses, but left it to the state Department of Environmental Protection to announce Thursday that the new measure is in effect.
Unlike her practice with many other bills, Rell's office did not issue a statement announcing that she had signed the bill or her reasons for doing so. Her office had no comment on Thursday.
”We're deferring to the DEP on this one,” said Adam Liegeot, a spokesman for the governor.
The new requirement, unpopular with many fishermen, means that residents will have to purchase a $10 license to fish from a pier or boat in the state's coastal waters. For non-residents, the license will cost $15. The state has long required licenses to fish in fresh water, but before now it hasn't required a license for tidal waters.
DEP spokesman Dennis Schain said New York and New Hampshire have recently also passed saltwater fishing license requirements, and that most other coastal states outside of New England require them. The other New England states are moving toward the licenses, he said. New federal requirements that will be in place this fall are prompting the states to act.
DEP environmental conservation officers will initially focus on educating fishermen about the new requirement, rather than issuing the $77 fine the law allows for fishing without a license, Schain said.
”Since it was just signed on the eve of a holiday weekend, and even though it is very convenient to get a license, our officers will certainly exercise some discretion,” he said. “The initial thrust will be on education.”
Licenses can be obtained at bait-and-tackle and sporting goods stores, many town clerks' offices and at the DEP's online licensing system, accessed through www.ct.gov/dep. Funds generated by the new law will be used for conservation and preservation programs, the DEP said in a news release issued Thursday afternoon.
”The new saltwater fishing license will provide us with information we need to better manage our fisheries and coastal resources,” said Amey Marrella, acting DEP commissioner. “The Connecticut program will also exempt residents from a federal program that would have required our anglers to register with and pay a fee to the federal government. It makes much more sense for us to gather information about our own anglers and to keep license fees in Connecticut.”
The licenses will be required of anyone over 16. Those over 65 must obtain a license, but will not be charged the $10 fee. Exceptions include anyone fishing as a passenger on a registered party or charter boat; and state residents participating in a DEP-authorized fishing derby where no fees are charged for the derby, it lasts one day or less, and it is sponsored by a non-profit organization. j.benson@theday.com
Rell leaves announcement of unpopular measure to DEP By Judy Benson Published on 7/3/2009
Gov. M. Jodi Rell on Wednesday signed into law the bill requiring saltwater fishing licenses, but left it to the state Department of Environmental Protection to announce Thursday that the new measure is in effect.
Unlike her practice with many other bills, Rell's office did not issue a statement announcing that she had signed the bill or her reasons for doing so. Her office had no comment on Thursday.
”We're deferring to the DEP on this one,” said Adam Liegeot, a spokesman for the governor.
The new requirement, unpopular with many fishermen, means that residents will have to purchase a $10 license to fish from a pier or boat in the state's coastal waters. For non-residents, the license will cost $15. The state has long required licenses to fish in fresh water, but before now it hasn't required a license for tidal waters.
DEP spokesman Dennis Schain said New York and New Hampshire have recently also passed saltwater fishing license requirements, and that most other coastal states outside of New England require them. The other New England states are moving toward the licenses, he said. New federal requirements that will be in place this fall are prompting the states to act.
DEP environmental conservation officers will initially focus on educating fishermen about the new requirement, rather than issuing the $77 fine the law allows for fishing without a license, Schain said.
”Since it was just signed on the eve of a holiday weekend, and even though it is very convenient to get a license, our officers will certainly exercise some discretion,” he said. “The initial thrust will be on education.”
Licenses can be obtained at bait-and-tackle and sporting goods stores, many town clerks' offices and at the DEP's online licensing system, accessed through www.ct.gov/dep. Funds generated by the new law will be used for conservation and preservation programs, the DEP said in a news release issued Thursday afternoon.
”The new saltwater fishing license will provide us with information we need to better manage our fisheries and coastal resources,” said Amey Marrella, acting DEP commissioner. “The Connecticut program will also exempt residents from a federal program that would have required our anglers to register with and pay a fee to the federal government. It makes much more sense for us to gather information about our own anglers and to keep license fees in Connecticut.”
The licenses will be required of anyone over 16. Those over 65 must obtain a license, but will not be charged the $10 fee. Exceptions include anyone fishing as a passenger on a registered party or charter boat; and state residents participating in a DEP-authorized fishing derby where no fees are charged for the derby, it lasts one day or less, and it is sponsored by a non-profit organization. j.benson@theday.com
