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New use of saltwater fishing license revenues raises issues

Ken Perrotte's outdoor column

Date published: 9/24/2009

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.

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Date published: 9/24/2009