By Dr. Ken Neill, III
The ultimate authority over the saltwater recreational license fund rests with the anglers that actually fund it. The saltwater license was formed at the request of anglers to provide additional funding for recreational fishing enhancement. These funds were not to be used to replace general funds but following multiple budget cuts, most of this dedicated fund has been taken to cover losses to the Virginia Marine Resources Commission budget. Anglers have accepted this to a point. When core, angler-funded, recreational programs are targeted, that point has been crossed. I reminded Virginia’s anglers that they have the power to stop this cold. That led to a meeting this week with Virginia’s Secretary of Natural Resources, Molly Ward and the Commissioner of the Marine Resources Commission, John Bull. Prior to this meeting, I consulted with members of the Recreational Fishing Advisory Board, the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament Committee, the Finfish Management Advisory Committee, presidents of fishing clubs, leaders in other recreational fishing organizations and individuals involved with the initial founding of the saltwater fishing license. There were two questions: “What do Virginia’s anglers want?” and “What is the minimum that anglers demand?” The “want” was easy. We want the license fund to be used as intended; we want all of our money. The “minimum” was more varied. For some, “all of it” is the minimum but there was a general consensus of the core programs that must be funded for anglers to have any reason to support the saltwater license. This was shared with the Secretary and the Commissioner. The “good” news is that I am not fired yet. Those of you that bet on a later date for the end of my term as Associate Commissioner are still in the running to win the pot. What came out of the meeting was that the Commonwealth values Virginia’s recreational anglers and appreciates their contributions. There was acknowledgement of anglers’ concerns and the importance of maintaining core recreational programs. There was a request to work jointly through the budgeting process to maintain these core recreational programs. VMRC’s budget issues are real as are anglers’ expectations as to what this dedicated fund is to be used for. Basically, they hear our message and want the chance to manage the issues before we decide that paying for a saltwater license is an investment anglers no longer wish to make. I agreed to this as anglers can decide to “take a year off” from buying a saltwater license at any time.