Public Comments for: HB1697 - Fishing with trawl nets and drag nets; shrimp and horseshoe crab; license fee; penalty.
I am totally against this bill which introduces a fee for using trawl nets and drag nets for shrimp and horseshoe crab fishing within Virginia's three-mile Atlantic shoreline limit, where currently no fee is required. Unnecessary Financial Burden: Imposing a $100 fee per boat for using trawl nets and drag nets adds an unnecessary financial burden on fishermen, especially small-scale operators who might not have the financial flexibility to absorb this new cost, potentially affecting their livelihoods. Discourages Traditional Practices: This fee could discourage traditional fishing practices that have been part of the local culture and economy, pushing fishermen towards alternative, possibly less sustainable methods if they cannot afford the fee. Inequitable Access: The fee structure might create an inequity in access to these fishing methods, favoring those who can afford the fee over those who cannot, potentially leading to a skewed distribution of fishing rights. Does Not Address Environmental Concerns: While the intention might be to regulate or reduce the use of these nets, the fee does not directly address the environmental impact of trawling. A fee alone might not be sufficient to mitigate the ecological damage these methods can cause. Potential for Non-Compliance: Fishermen might be tempted to fish without obtaining the necessary permit to avoid the fee, leading to increased illegal fishing activities and complicating enforcement efforts by the Marine Resources Commission. Revenue vs. Conservation: The revenue generated from these fees might not be directed towards conservation efforts or habitat restoration, which would be necessary to offset the environmental impact of trawling, making the fee seem more like a tax than a conservation measure. Administrative Overhead: The introduction of a fee system would require additional administrative work for the Marine Resources Commission, including processing applications, managing payments, and ensuring compliance, which could divert resources from other conservation activities. Economic Impact on Local Communities: The fee could have broader economic implications, potentially reducing the income of local fishing communities, affecting related businesses, and impacting the supply of locally caught shrimp and horseshoe crabs. I strongly oppose this legislation because while it might seem like a regulatory step, it primarily serves as a financial barrier without addressing the core environmental issues, potentially leading to economic hardship, increased non-compliance, and administrative burdens, urging instead for regulations that focus on sustainability and conservation.
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