Repeal the Saltwater Fishing License

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The NY Saltwater Fishing License took effect October 1, 2009 and created much controversy across Long Island as, for the first time in the history of New York State, it forced recreational fisherman to purchase a $10 license and forced charter boat captains to purchase a $400 license - all to fish the last two months or less of the year! For 2010, fishermen have to pay again.

Contact your state legislators and urge them to repeal the salt water fishing license that they adopted last year.

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I urge you to repeal the salt water fishing license that you adopted last year.

As you know, it took effect October 1, 2009 and created much controversy across Long Island as, for the first time in the history of New York State, it forced recreational fisherman to purchase a $10 license and forced charter boat captains to purchase a $400 license - all to fish the last two months or less of the year! For 2010, fishermen have to pay again.

I fully understand the need to fulfill the federal mandate to register all groups of fishermen; however you simply could have set up a free system rather than charging a license fee. This salt water fishing license is simply a bailout of Albany's financial problems on the backs of recreational fishermen and charter boat captains - who represent an industry already drowning from federal and state regulations.

This law is ill conceived at best; enforceability remains a serious question especially considering that our Environmental Conservation law enforcement officers are understaffed and are doing the best they can to prevent exploitation and abuse of our fisheries. They don't need the additional burden of issuing summons to Long Islanders "casting a line in the water" - who would be then subject to such absurd penalties such as fines up to $250 and/or 15 days in jail!

The State's budget problems are immense; but you are driving residents off Long Island and out of the State with so many taxes and fees. Our precious fishing industry is hurting and struggling to survive. You can make it easier by repealing this illogical license fee.