~ PRESS RELEASE ~
May 28, 2009
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Massachusetts Striped Bass Association
Votes to Support a Proposed MA Salt Water Fishing License
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Almost one year ago, MSBA was contacted by the MA Division of Marine Fisheries and asked to send a
representative to participate in a newly created MA Recreational Fishing Registry Steering Committee.
MA DMF created this committee so that the Recreational Fishing Community could both understand the
options under the soon to be launched mandatory federal salt water fishing registry. In 2006, the US
Congress reauthorized the Magnuson Stevens Fisheries Act which created the national salt water fishing
registry. Although registry may be a more accurate description; the end result is that the MA Recreational
Fishing Community is facing the choice between a $15-$25 national registry beginning in 2010 or
developing a state salt water fishing license that will comply with federal requirements. MSBA President
Bill Prodouz appointed Past President and long time MSBA Gov’t Affairs Officer Patrick Paquette to
represent MSBA on the newly formed committee.
Many recreational fishing leaders/organizations were invited to participate. Some chose not to participate,
some attended only one or two meetings and some participated in all meetings. MSBA is proud that
Patrick Paquette attended every meeting and MSBA hosted one of the meetings. Although not a complete
list of the committee, the following are some of the recreational leaders that did attend at least one
meeting: MSBA Past President Chuck Casella and Mark Amorello (both from the MA Marine Fisheries
Commission), Mike Bucko (Bucko’s Parts & Tackle), Liz Stromeyer (Red Top), Ed Jerome (MV Derby),
Mike Moss (MA Sportsmen Council), Tom Gagnon (Mass Beach Buggy Assn), Lou MacKeil (Cape Cod
Salties), Tom DePersia (Stellwagen Bank Charterboat Assn),Charlie Soares (The Fishermen Magazine)
Kevin Blinkoff (On The Water Magazine), Ed Lofgren (MA Marine Trades Assn), and Craig Caldwell
(Stripers Forever).
In early May, the committee completed a long information gathering and decision making process which
resulted in development of language for legislation that would create a MA State Salt Water Fishing
License. The proposed legislation includes many items recreational fishers have long stated they would
like to see in a license, including a dedicated fund, increased public access, increased public input over
license money and both shore and on the water based reciprocity with abutting states.
On May 27th 2009, in a packed monthly meeting, the Massachusetts Striped Bass Assn voted on two
motions related to the proposed legislation developed by the MA Recreational License Steering
Committee. After a thirty minute presentation and Q&A session, the MSBA membership voted on the
following two motions:
Motion: MSBA will support the recommended legislation developed by the MA Recreational
Registry Steering Committee.
Motion passed by unanimous vote!
Motion: MSBA will give Gov't Affairs Officer Patrick Paquette a vote of confidence to negotiate and
if needed oppose the legislation if the original language is significantly changed as the bill moves
through the process of government.
Motion passed by unanimous vote!
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