Measure will reverse decline in state fishing industry, bring jobs, tourism, and habitat restoration
April 7, 2015 - Sacramento – Senator Tom Berryhill (R-Twain Harte), a lifelong sportfishing enthusiast, has introduced a measure to revitalize the sportfishing industry in California. The measure will increase tourism dollars, jobs and help the state maintain revenue for habitat restoration and protection. Senate Bill 345 (SB 345), the Sportfishing Stimulus Act of 2015, will replace the current calendar year fishing license with a license that is good for twelve consecutive months. It will also add a reduced cost junior angler license to the menu of options for fishing licenses in California. Assemblyman Frank Bigelow is a principal co-author of SB 345.
“California has some of the best fishing holes in the nation but some of the highest prices and antiquated regulations. It is no wonder we come in dead last nationally on the percentage of people actually fishing. Those numbers keep slipping too. You have got to ask yourself why a state with thousands of miles of coastline, lakes, rivers and ponds is experiencing such a steep decline in an activity. Price and convenience come to mind,” said Berryhill. “Making licenses more affordable, practical and convenient is one step we can take right now to begin reversing that trend.”
“Recreational fishing has a tremendous impact on our local economy and tax base, contributing billions of dollars to our tourism industry. SB 345 will ensure that our communities can continue to provide premier tourism and recreation experiences for all Californians,” Assemblyman Bigelow said.
A recent study released by the California Sportfishing League finds:
“…. Since 1980, when annual licenses were sold for as little as $5.00, California’s annual fishing license sales have dropped by more than 55%..., while our state’s population has increased by nearly 60%. In 2014, 40,000 fewer annual fishing licenses were sold compared to 2013.
If the 35-year trend remains constant, annual fishing license sales are expected to drop below 500k by 2027, or another 49% over the next 12 years. Should this occur, between 1980 and 2027, annual license sales will have dropped 78%. This downward trend could accelerate even faster if fees are increased substantially, or new regulations are imposed that increase costs or barriers to fishing…
… Combine the high costs with an antiquated calendar-year license system, and California provides the least value to anglers in the United States.”
Similar legislation by Senator Berryhill, Senate Bill 583, failed passage in 2013. This year the California Sportfishing League, California’s leading advocate for salt-water and fresh-water anglers, has joined Senator Berryhill in promoting and advocating for these changes to the licensing process.
“SB 345 will help and protect the communities that depend on outdoor recreation for tourism and jobs,” continued Berryhill. “The changes make sense. They modernize our license process and will bring back enthusiasm for an outdoor activity enjoyed by generations of Californians.”
