Number: 1984-05
WHEREAS, recreational fishing is conducted for personal satisfaction and enjoyment rather than for financial gain; and
WHEREAS, financial incentives can entice recreational fishermen to catch greater numbers of fish than necessary for personal use; and
WHEREAS, effective and equitable management of fishery resources requires differentiating true commercial fishermen from recreational fishermen; and
WHEREAS, such differentiation is important in implementing fishery management plans that allocate fish harvest among user groups;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual meeting assembled March 15-18, 1984, in Atlanta, Georgia, recommends that each State not presently doing so, require all persons who sell or barter freshly caught fish or fish parts to have a valid state-issued commercial fishing license to do so; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that such commercial fishing licenses be renewable yearly at a significant dollar value and that penalties be levied against those who sell fish without a license and commercial fish dealers or others purchasing freshly caught fish from anglers not possessing a valid commercial fishing license.