California Fishing License Bill Passes State Senate

(Sacramento, CA): Today, the California State Senate passed the California Sportfishing Stimulus Act of 2015 unanimously.

Senate Bill SB 345, sponsored by the California Sportfishing League (CSL) and authored by Senator Tom Berryhill and Assembly Member Frank Bigelow, aims to address California's unprecedented decline in fishing participation and increase fishing license sales.

"We are pleased that the California State Senate recognizes the importance of protecting recreational fishing and the communities dependent on this great form of outdoor recreation to stimulate tourism and to protect jobs," said Marko Mlikotin, CSL's executive director.

SB 345, as amended by the Senate Appropriations Committee, no longer includes a key provision championed by anglers that would replace California calendar-based fishing license system with one that is valid for a full 12 months from the date of purchase. Proponents have vowed to restore the 12-month fishing license provision in the State Assembly.

"Establishing a 12-month fishing license is critical to reforming a costly fishing license program that has contributed to an unprecedented decline in fishing participation," said Mlikotin. "It is our hope that California will follow the lead of other states that found that a 12-month fishing license program can lead to greater fishing license sales and state revenue. Only with the support of the State Assembly is greater reform within reach."

As amended, SB 345 aims to:

· Create a junior fishing license at a reduced base price of $15.00 (not including special permits), similar to the state's junior hunting license.

· Allow charitable organizations to use fish caught by anglers for charitable and organizational functions, and not subject the charities to fines if an event exceeds possession limits.

Background

In March, the California Sportfishing League released a study that concluded that the number of annual fishing license sales has decline over 55% since 1980, and at a rate of over 35,000 a year. The decline threatens critical hatchery and habitat restoration programs funded by fishing license sales.

Senate Bill 345, sponsored by the California Sportfishing League and introduced by Senator Tom Berryhill (R-Twain Harte) and Assembly Member Frank Bigelow (R-O'Neals). The legislation is supported by one of the largest and most diverse coalitions, including anglers, business, labor, local government and tourism. For more information about SB345 and to view a supporter list of over of 25 associations, visit CSL's website or click here.

Recreational fishing contributes over $4.9 billion in economic activity each year, supporting jobs and communities dependent on it for outdoor recreation and tourism.

The California Sportfishing League (CSL) is a nonprofit coalition of fresh and saltwater anglers, and small business owners devoted to protecting access to recreational fishing.

To learn more visit www.SportfishingConservation.org or @CASportfishing