GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1993

H	2 

HOUSE BILL 1156
Committee Substitute Favorable 6/24/93

Short Title:  Saltwater Sports Fishing License.	(Public)
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Sponsors:
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Referred to:  
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April 19, 1993

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO REQUIRE THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE STUDY COMMISSION ON SEAFOOD AND AQUACULTURE TO STUDY THE NEED FOR A LICENSE FOR RECREATIONAL HOOK-AND-LINE FISHING IN COASTAL FISHING WATERS AND TO STUDY THE EFFECT OF THE USE OF COMMERCIAL NETS ON FISH AND SHELLFISH STOCKS AND THEIR ESTUARINE HABITATS.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  (a)	In addition to the powers and functions set forth in Article 12F of Chapter 120 of the General Statutes, the Joint Legislative Commission on Seafood and Aquaculture shall study the need for a license for recreational hook-and-line fishing in coastal fishing waters.
(b)	The Commission shall hold at least seven hearings statewide and shall include, but not limit the discussion to, the following:
(1)	Investigate and compare other State recreational licenses.
(2)	Consider the amount of the license fee, format of the license, implementation of the license, and exemptions, if any.
(3)	Consider using the proceeds from the license fee for the following purposes: (i) to protect the resource for future generations, (ii) to preserve the resource to promote tourism on the coast, and (iii) to develop hatcheries and other means to increase the population of fish and shellfish in this State.
(4)	Study the effect that a recreational license may have with regard to federal regulations and funding.
Sec. 2.  (a)	In addition to the powers and functions set forth in Article 12F of Chapter 120 of the General Statutes, the Joint Legislative Commission on Seafood and Aquaculture shall study the effect of the use of commercial nets and other gear on fish and shellfish stocks and their estuarine habitats.
(b)	The Commission's study shall include the following:
(1)	Review gear restrictions that may be imposed, including gill nets, other nets, and shrimp trawls in other states.
(2)	Consider various types of restrictions, including limited entry, restricting gear to commercial fishermen, restricting the amount of gear per person, and establishing a poundage limitation per person.
(3)	Study fish classified by the Marine Fisheries Commission as stressed or overharvested and the effect of commercial gear on these and shellfish stocks and their estuarine habitats and reclassifying stressed fish as game fish (e.g., red drum, grey trout, and speckled trout).
(4)	Study waste in the fishing industry and consider recycling and reusing bycatch.
Sec. 3.  The Commission may report to the 1994 Regular Session of the 1993 General Assembly, and shall report on or before the first day of the 1995 Legislative Session on its findings, together with any recommended legislation.
Sec. 4.  This act is effective upon ratification.