By Rich Johnson
NY’s Saltwater License (SWL) is set to begin on Oct. 1. It’s been met with harsh criticism by an overwhelming majority of fishermen and those in the industry, but support does exist—provided the license plan is done right.
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) originally wanted an Anglers’ Registry, a saltwater anglers phone book of sorts, to obtain fisheries info, track populations and migrations and other data through current saltwater anglers.
Rich Johnson, host of The Fishing Line
The cost is $10 for residents and $15 for non-residents, with a lifetime resident license costing $150. Party and charter boats pay $400 for “blanket” coverage for all anglers who fish with them, but this is in addition to the $250 they already pay the state for operating a vessel in N.Y. Why isn’t the $250 in place put towards their SWL? Also, will SWL fees be increased in the coming years as they have in California?
Capt. Dave Brennan of the Peconic Star (www.peconicstar.com) party boat in Greenport, says, “We’re sitting here, Sept. 30th, celebrating the last free day of fishing in [the] state. What is disappointing is that the monies raised by the SWL will not be used for what [they were] intended—fisheries research. Instead, [they’re] grabbed by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to pay salaries. So, what started as a good thing for the fishery is just another tax.”
And, who came up with the $400 figure?
Gary Grunseich of Silly Lily Rental Station in East Moriches welcomes a blanket option and says, “Livery stations have been neglected again, just as we were when NY gave party boats two bass at 28 inches. There are only eight to 10 liveries left on Long Island. This could be the final nail in the coffin unless we get the same blanket coverage offered to party boats.”
According to the DEC, there will be a “grace period” in place where DEC officers will do “educational” work with pamphlets and literature already printed for distribution on the SWL and where you can get your license.
“Technically, you’re supposed to have a license. Are we running to the snapper docks with the SWAT team? The answer is no,” says Captain Tim Huss, chief ECO for Region 1. “While I can’t say there will be no tickets written, that wouldn’t be fair to license purchasers. We’re being very reasonable with ticket writing. We’re in public information mode at present.”
Pending legislation in Albany has a bill designed to start the SWL by Jan. 1, 2010.
If that’s the case, why the license now?
Our legislators left session this summer without clearing up the matter, but you may have to buy a full year’s license now for $10 ($400 party boat) and then buy it again in January. Another money grab you ask? Either way, Albany has had a horrific year in ’09, but captains think it’s another reach for some cash.
“What’s unsettling is we’re being charged $400 now then have to pay another $400 in January. Our industry is hemorrhaging,” says Capt. Nick Manzari of the Island Princess in Captree State Park. “Neither Albany and nor the DEC seems to care. This state makes it impossible to be an employer, work a small business and survive.”
But there’s more! If NY starts the SWL in January, this puts it on a different calendar year then other hunting and fishing licenses. This means NO discounts for combination licenses currently in place. In June, DEC staff in Albany estimated the cost to licensees would be $350,000 and possibly more to implement these two systems. Two license years also caused the big delay in setting up the ability to buy the SWL on the DEC site, costing license buyers even more money and heartache.
Email Rich Johnson at rich@thefishingline.com and follow The Fishing Line on Twitter at
