Quote:
Originally Posted by B-Faithful
I think while overall you may be correct there are some key things to consider.. Despite the down economy fishing license sales have been up in Maryland. According to mrfss data, there were more rec trips taken in Maryland in 2009 than the previous year (I havent checked to see data revolving around other areas). Also areas like VA beach are seeing huge economic growth around the recreational striped bass fishery. Hotels, charters, restaurants, etc are now busy in the winter months where they were generally quiet only a few years ago. Recreational fishing is a 1.3 Billion dollar industry to the state of Maryland according to DNR and 1 Billion according to the American Sportfishing Association.
Lets face it, striped bass on the commercial market is facing the same economic battles as restaurant industry is way down, prices for striped bass on the commercial market are stagnant at best, etc.
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Mrfss data is flawed. That why the national fishing registry.
ASA data doesn't show the last 3 years.
Using your logic lets take it a step further.
Only those that spend $10,000 a year or more on rec fishing will be allowed to do so.
Or. Only those who have a boat of 40' in length or greater will be allowed to fish. Why not limit Striped Bass fishing to the elite?
Limiting access to a small portion of the populace sounds familiar. Didn't the CCA propose to limit Striped Bass fishing to only a portion of the rec fishermen not so long ago.