Fee for fishing? Study group looks at possibility of non-commercial license

WHT: … Non-commercial fishing has cultural, environmental and economic implications in the state, and attempts to regulate it and/or create a fee structure for the privilege are controversial in nature.

Jim Rizzuto, a 77-year-old lifelong fisherman, said the idea of charging for non-commercial fishing licenses in Hawaii has been around for years.

“I think they’ve been looking at it most my life,” said Rizzuto, who has written a weekly fishing column for West Hawaii Today for decades.

He said it could be seen as problematic by many fisherman around the state.

Often, people are resistant to a change to something they’re used to getting for free. Aside from that, the cost for an agency to run the licensing program would likely eat up much of the revenue it was supposed to generate, he said, and it could prove a nuisance to fishermen having to fill out the details and specifics of what they’re catching and where.

Restrictions to non-commercial fishing could be especially irksome to fishermen in Hawaii, where casting line is a lifestyle.

“It’s like having a license for walking, like having a license for swimming,” he said. “I don’t see it as useful in any way.” ….

read … Fee for Fishing

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REPORT ON POTENTIAL NON-COMMERCIAL FISHING LICENSES RELEASED

Varied Stakeholders Contributed and Collaborated

News Release from DLNR, December 2, 2016

(Honolulu) - Following six meetings earlier this year, the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) has received a report from a group of experts and organizations with interest in establishing non-commercial fishing licenses in Hawaii’i.

The independent group studied the potential benefits and impacts of different forms of a non-commercial marine fishing registry, permit, or license system.  Participants in the meetings, held between May and November, included the Western Pacific Fisheries Management Council, Conservation International, fisheries resources managers, experts, and representatives from different fishing organizations and interest groups. The study group interviewed fisheries managers from other coastal states, conducted a detailed economic feasibility analysis, and consulted with legal experts, including an expert in native Hawaiian law.

According to DAR Administrator Dr. Bruce Anderson, “This group specifically focused on the ability of a potential system to meet three primary fishery objectives.”  This includes providing additional and more robust data to support fisheries management; to foster more dialogue between fishers and managers; and to create a continuous source of independent funding to support effective fisheries management. In expressing the DLNR’s appreciation to the members of the study group, Anderson wrote, “It is indeed a thorough and well-researched document.  We are impressed with the way all the members worked together throughout the project. 

While Study Group members did not hesitate to express divergent views, their comments were always intended to be constructive. I believe the final report reflects this spirit of cooperation and collaboration as well as the dedication and hard work of all members.  Every member certainly has a great passion and appreciation of the value of our marine resources.”

Anderson concluded, “We look forward to getting comments from a broad range of stakeholders before making such a decision on what option is preferred. Undoubtedly, this report will generate considerable discussion and serve as a valuable reference for all those interested in this issue.”

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RESOURCES

Read the full report: dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/announcements/feasibility-of-a-non-commercial-marine-fishing-registry-permit-or-license-system-in-hawaii/

HD video of fishermen and Hawaii island fishing tournament: www.vimeo.com/170543631