New use of saltwater fishing license revenues raises issues

September 24, 2009 12:35 am

TUCKED AWAY amid the extensive cuts of Gov. Tim Kaine's fiscal 2010 budget reduction plan is a $300,000 shift from the Marine Resources Commission's Saltwater Fishing Fund to the agency's law enforcement area.

The fund derives its revenues from the sale of recreational saltwater fishing licenses, while law enforce-ment activities are paid for from the state's general fund.

Tommy Tomlin of Northumberland County noted that this proposed use of the money isn't in line with how the concept of saltwater licenses were sold to the public several years ago.

The statutes establishing the saltwater fishing license stress the funds are designed solely to conserve and enhance finfish species taken by recreational anglers, improve recreational fishing opportunities, and improve habitat, administer the Saltwater Sport Fishing Tournament and enforce certain regulatory and statutory provisions.

Provisions for using funds for enforcement may be in the statutory language, but recreational anglers have never been keen on license fee revenues becoming convenient offsets for state general fund shortfalls. In fact, the MRC governing board's guidelines stipulate that no more than 5 percent of the saltwater fund should be allocated to law enforcement, Tomlin said.

According to MRC's spokesman John M.R. Bull, about $2 million annually flows into the Saltwater Fishing Fund, meaning this year's proposed diversion equates to 15 percent.

Tomlin queried MRC about the issue and learned that the practice of shifting money derived from recreational and commercial license funds began in October 2007.

Reductions for law enforcement in fiscal 2008 and 2009 were replaced by some $1.3 million in recreational funds, according to MRC e-mail correspondence.

Bull said the recent budgetary moves are "extraordinary solutions" in response to "the worst budget crisis of the last 60 years."

"It's not something we've sought at MRC, but is something we feel, and agree with the governor and General Assembly, is necessary," Bull said.

Bull acknowledges the dollar shifting is creating angst among recreational fishermen and noted people are welcome to address the General Assembly with concerns. He also pointed out that work such as enforcing size and catch limits or conducting boat inspections by the Marine Police benefits recreational anglers.

Despite the cuts, the MRC board Tuesday approved $800,000 worth of Saltwater Fishing Fund projects, including such efforts as artificial reef structure, game fish tagging and improving stock assortment of weakfish, among others. One $154,452, three-year study will assess and estimate the "importance and value of menhaden to Chesapeake Bay stakeholders and region."

WOUNDED WARRIORS FISH LAKE ANNA

Ken Kirk, who coordinated the second annual Wounded Warrior Fall Classic on Lake Anna last weekend reports the event was a great success and loads of fun, even if fish were finicky.

Some 40 boats skippered by local anglers showed up at Anna Point Marina to support the event, which included service members from Fort Meade, Md., Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Marine Corps Base Quantico.

Military members received a tackle bag provided by BustinBass.com filled with tackle donated by Bass Pro Shops in Ashland. They also received fishing rods and reels, hats and shirts.

Kirk said more than $30,000 was raised for the event. All donations went to the Paralyzed Veterans of America Outdoor Recreation Heritage Fund.

From Orange County High School's Junior ROTC color guard to the Red Cross of Central Virginia serving food provided by Wally's Homemade Ice Cream of Fredericksburg, military guests were treated to local hospitality.

"These kinds of events have a direct impact on the quality of life for our warriors and their families," Kirk said. "With a bad economy, companies are still willing to give for these events. As long as we have wounded warriors, there will be a need for communities to pull together and offer things to provide them with fellowship and fun in the outdoors."

David Allan and Dylan Wolanski took first place with 10.3 pounds of bass.

The top 20 military anglers will join the Mattaponi Hunt Club of Caroline County on a hunt later this year. The first-place team gets a hunting trip to LEEK Preserve in Pennsylvania.

RECORD-TYING LARGEMOUTH

Documentation for a 22-pound, 4-ounce largemouth bass, caught from Japan's largest lake on July 2, is being evaluated by International Game Fish Association headquarters for world record recognition.

Manabu Kurita, 32, of Aichi, Japan, caught the fish. IGFA rules for fish caught outside the U.S. allows anglers 90 days to submit applications from the date of their catch.

IGFA World Records Coordinator Becky Wright reported Kurita's fish measured 27.20 inches in length with a girth of 26.77 inches. She said Kurita was using a bluegill as live bait trolling through a canal.

Kurita's fish would tie the current record held for over 77 years by George Perry and caught on Georgia's Montgomery Lake, June 2, 1932.

Bowhunter Survey

Virginia is looking for bowhunters to participate in a statewide survey of bear, deer, turkey, small game and furbearer populations.

The survey, conducted since 1997 with more than 370 archers participating, yields data about deer population trends, adult sex ratios and recruitment.

Hunters wishing to participate should contact mike.
Email: fies@dgif.virginia.gov before Oct. 1. Participants receive an annual survey form where they record the numbers and types of wildlife they observe while hunting during early archery season. All participating archery hunters get a copy of survey results.

Ken Perrotte can be reached at The Free Lance-Star, 616 Amelia Street, Fredericksburg, Va. 22401, by fax at 373-8455 or e-mail at
Email: outdoors@freelancestar.com.