State Senator Lee Zeldin Joins Governor Cuomo in Announcing Recreational Saltwater Fishing License Fee Refund

Refund to Include Fees Paid by Charter Boats

Freeport, NY - State Senator Lee M. Zeldin (R,C,I- Shirley) joined Governor Andrew Cuomo today to announce a refund of the Recreational Saltwater Fishing License Fee paid by individuals and charter boats for the 2010-2011season. The event was held at the Freeport Boatman’s Association, in Freeport, Long Island.

Senator Zeldin led the fight to secure a two year moratorium on the Saltwater Fishing License Fee for 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 seasons in this year’s State Budget enacted this past April. Individual anglers and charters who had already purchased a license prior to the moratorium will be receiving their money back.

“I am pleased to be here on a great day- joined by Governor Cuomo to celebrate the moratorium on the Saltwater Fishing License Fee. I would like to thank not only the Governor but also my Senate and Assembly colleagues who spent hours listening to me and working with me to achieve this shared goal. I would also like to thank the thousands of fishermen, including the Recreational Fishing Alliance, who called, wrote, faxed and signed our petition,” stated Senator Zeldin.”

The full agreement on the moratorium included:

• Full refund of the lifetime license fee ($150) with no reduction to the balance of the Conservation Fund;

• In addition to those refunds, the Governor directed the DEC to also include those individuals and businesses who purchased an annual fishing license for 2011;

• An additional $1.9 Million in General Fund support for Marine Bureau operations. The Marine Bureau will not be responsible for paying for jobs it assumed responsibility for in 2009;

• Full compliance with the Federal Saltwater Fishing Program. New Yorkers will not have to purchase a separate Federal License.

Senator Zeldin emphasized that this moratorium will have no negative effect on the state’s conservation Fund, which supports hunting and fishing activities for all sportsmen and women in New York State. The Conservation Fund balance on April 1, 2011 was $22.2 million, and Zeldin was pleased to note that on April 1, 2012, the projected balance of this fund will be $38.2 Million.

“Recreational and commercial saltwater fishing is one of the many great things about life on Long Island,” said Zeldin. “It’s part of our history, and for many, it’s the reason why we live here. It’s a bright, sunny day for saltwater fishermen, and I am deeply proud I was able to deliver on keeping my commitment to my district.”