1,250% Increase in MA Charter Boat Permit Fee

[Bradleyj]

I’m surprised that I haven’t seen more complaints posted on the boards I participate in about the proposed 1,250% charter boat permit fee increase tucked into the newly proposed recreational saltwater fishing permit regulations in Massachusetts.  Do all the charter boat owners out there realize that unless this can be headed off, the cost of this permit is going from $10 to $125 next year?  Here is the letter DMF issued earlier this month describing these increases and listing hearing dates and an email address to forward written comments to:
 
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/marin...ry_110510.html
 
What additional work to regulate charter boats is DMF going to be doing next year that they are not already doing that could possibly justify an increase of this magnitude??  The charter permit already exists, unlike the individual recreational permit.  This is a tax (which requires legislative action), not a justifiable fee increase.  Please consider attending a hearing or at least sending written comments.  Copying your state rep and senator would be a good idea too.

[Charlie Wade]

And don't forget the $132.50 for a TWIC card (although good for 5 years). I need to renew mine before Jan., and the process (and fee) is the same as the initial application.

[Hoopa Drives The Boat]

And don't forget the $132.50 for a TWIC card (although good for 5 years). I need to renew mine before Jan., and the process (and fee) is the same as the initial application.

Have fun with that one Charlie. When I went in to get my prints done the computer froze up. I watched our tax dollars at work for 1.5 hrs as they tried to figure how to reboot a computer.

[Red Headed Stranger]

yeah that TWIC Card routine is almost a full day affair, don't plan anything after that appointment

[stew]

It's the cost of doing "business". If you have been in this industry for more than a couple of years than you get use to it. User fees, permits, lic. fees. TWIC, etc... it just goes with the business. I've been in it since I was 12 so I get it. Maybe they should make it $5000.00 per year and we would really see how many tuna\Charterboats are really out there instead of just a $25 fee?!?!?! Just a thought?!?! What do you think, Doug?? Not trying to be an ahole but we all have to think about where we all want to really be in this fishery. I clearly see three groups; Recreational anglers, Charterboats, and Commercial fisherman. I want to fight for all three groups but I find that the group I am in is the most over expolited group. We all need to look at who we are and figure out where we fit in these groups, realisticly. For the future of our industry and the future of the fishery. Just think it through, that is all I am asking. Capt. Eric

[Junior11]

As a charter captain, I am all for the increase. In the scheme of thing that 115 bucks isn't much. If anything they should increase it more. Too many people have the charter license for the sake of having it, or to be able to fish under the charter/headboat tuna permit. This will hopefully help separate those that do it for the money, and those that do it to have the permit.

[tomytuna]

Brad! please see Dave's post above started 11/11 and note the dates of public hearings! hope to see you there. regards Tommy

[amarshall]

It's the cost of doing "business". If you have been in this industry for more than a couple of years than you get use to it. User fees, permits, lic. fees. TWIC, etc... it just goes with the business. I've been in it since I was 12 so I get it. Maybe they should make it $5000.00 per year and we would really see how many tuna\Charterboats are really out there instead of just a $25 fee?!?!?! Just a thought?!?! What do you think, Doug?? Not trying to be an ahole but we all have to think about where we all want to really be in this fishery. I clearly see three groups; Recreational anglers, Charterboats, and Commercial fisherman. I want to fight for all three groups but I find that the group I am in is the most over expolited group. We all need to look at who we are and figure out where we fit in these groups, realisticly. For the future of our industry and the future of the fishery. Just think it through, that is all I am asking. Capt. Eric

When everyone who is out of work and has a boat sitting in their yard not making money, decides to make an investment and be a charter boat captain, that will work out well for you.

Great way to make friends with about 50% of the people on here. This is exactly what the enviros want, in-fighting amongst the user groups.

[Junior11]

Marshall, I respect your posts, and we are on the side of most issues. I don't see this as infighting amongst groups however. Anyone who is going to make the investment into a charter business knows that 115 bucks is a drop in the bucket. This will also increase the out of state charter permits a bunch too.

From the industrial side of things, Massachusetts offers a lot to fisherman from other states, RI, NH, CT offer nothing to the MA fisherman. They come here run charters, fish for tuna in MA waters and fish off of the MA commercial quota, yet go back to their home states and pay their taxes there. I would also like to see an increase in the cost of the state commercial permit, and the striped bass endorsement to be honest.

[stew]

"When everyone who is out of work and has a boat sitting in their yard not making money, decides to make an investment and be a charter boat captain, that will work out well for you.
How will this work out well for me?

Great way to make friends with about 50% of the people on here. This is exactly what the enviros want, in-fighting amongst the user groups."

I am sorry to have offended you but I don't think you get my point. I am not picking a fight but look at how many CHB tuna permits are out there and ask how many of those boats are really charterboats. As far as guys being out of work and starting a charterboat business, more power to them, considering everyone who is in the profession is having bad years and less and less business, I am sure it will work out for them. This would be the worst time to start up a charterboat business and make it make money for you that will support your family and pay your bills. It just won't happen. Write up the business plan and take it to a bank and see if you can get a loan? There is alot of charterboats that are nothing but an IRS tax scheme and have very little to do with "making money". I am not trying to pick a fight here but look at the rules and you will see some things are going to have to change. I am sorry you took offense but I am expressing my views, the way I see it after doing this for 30 plus years. Why would 50% of the people on here be upset about charterboat fees going up? Are there 50% of the people here Mass Charterboats? I missed something. As far as the enviro's go.. screw them. I will fight for what I feel is right no matter what. Capt. Eric