Schumer, Foley, Fields Announce New Legislation To Eliminate Registration Process And $10 Fee Imposed On LI Saltwater Anglers -- Replace It With Free Registration

Press Release

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, State Senator Brian Foley, and Assemblywoman Ginny Fields today announced that the State Senator and Assemblywoman have introduced new legislation to scrap the new saltwater fishing license and registration system and set up a free, easy, and convenient registration process for Long Island's saltwater fishing community. Last month, Schumer called for the creation of such a system, which is permitted under federal law. The officials said the current system is too onerous, with anglers -- this year -- required to pay a fee and go through the registration once in October and again in January. The officials said the new system that is free for anglers would still be in compliance with federal reporting requirements, which do not require a fee. The legislation also repeals the $400 fee levied on recreational saltwater charter boats, a trademark industry throughout Long Island's coastal communities. The charter boat industry is already struggling from the economic downturn and increasingly restrictive fish quotas

"The bottom line is the current system places far too great a burden on Long Island anglers who are already struggling day to day. We need to make this system free and simple to access," Schumer said. "This is not the time impose new fees if they are not absolutely required, and federal law does not require them. While we must ensure that adequate scientific data is available to keep fishing stocks thriving, we can't do it on the backs of fishermen and women. I want to thank Senator Foley and Assemblywoman Fields for introducing this legislation and will do everything I can to see that it is passed."

"I am pleased to author this critical legislation which will spare Long Island's fishing community from having to pay a registration fee," said Foley. "My legislation will usher in a new system that allows those willing to fish in our saltwater to register for free, thereby providing important data to help maintain our fisheries without overburdening the fishing communities," said Foley, who serves on the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee.

"The fee for a saltwater fishing license is likely going to keep people from fishing. In a time when everyone is tightening their belt, an additional $10 is too much for people to bear. Small businesses, such as bait and tackle shops, are losing customers who cannot or will not pay for a saltwater fishing license. This loss of revenue will force some bait and tackle stores to close their doors. We should be promoting small businesses, as they are the backbone of our economy and our way out of this recession. New York State cannot fill its budget hole on the backs of recreational fishermen and women. I am extremely pleased to be a Co-sponsor of this legislation, which repeals the unnecessary license fee and establishes a registry in full compliance with federal regulations." stated Assemblywoman Fields.

Under the current system, DEC requires anglers to register and pay a ten dollar fee in order to saltwater fish. Any recreational angler, age 16 or older, fishing in coastal or marine waters including the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island Sound and the Hudson River up to the Tappan Zee Bridge is required to obtain a license.

This requirement went in to effect at the beginning of this month. Schumer said that one problem with the new system is that the current licenses will expire Dec. 31 meaning fishermen and women will be required to purchase a new license in order to fish in 2010.

Right now, the licenses cost $10 for an annual license, $4 for a one-day permit, $150 for a lifetime permit. Most town clerks can sell licenses and some bait shops and sporting-goods stores may sell them. Licenses also may be purchased by phone at 866-933-2257 or online at the state Department of Environmental Conservation's sporting license sales page.

DEC set up this system to be in compliance with national environmental reporting standards. However, today Schumer said the system that the DEC has set up can be done without a fee to anglers and still be in compliance with federal standards.

In order to fix the system, Schumer today said that the Magnuson Stevens Act, the federal law the governs fishing up and down the east coast, stipulates certain requirements for state programs to be in compliance with federal rules. However, those rules do not require that states impose a fee or an annual registration meaning that the DEC can set up a new system that is free for fisherman and women and still comply with federal reporting requirements.

Foley and Fields today said their legislation would require the DEC to set up a registration and licensing system that is free and convenient for all fishermen. The commissioner must allow a person to register through the department website and or toll-free telephone number to be used for registering.

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