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“A saltwater fishing license? What a ridiculous idea,” said Victor Lagattolla of Ridge, who was wetting a line at the popular fishing pier. “We’re tired of sending our tax money to Albany only to be handed down restrictions on what we can catch.” The angler noted that the number of fish you’re allowed to keep “hardly makes it worth it.”
“We are writing to express our deep concern with the recent actions taken by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation to reintroduce the paid saltwater fishing license and to convey our intent, on behalf of the 500,000 residents of the Town of Brookhaven, to oppose the measure,” Romaine said in a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul.
The Supervisor noted that the license fee was imposed in 2009 and repealed two years later due to intense public opposition. The deciding vote to levy the new tax came from former Senator Brian Foley, whose support of the fee, along with an MTA commuter tax and other unpopular actions, drove him out of office after only one term.
“The people of Long Island have a right to fish in our waters without having to pay a fee to the state,” said Town Councilman Dan Panico. “The governor seems to have an ax to grind against the people of Long Island,” he said, noting that Hochul lost to Congressman Lee Zeldin by significant margins in Nassau and Suffolk.
Joining in the protest was Suffolk Legislator Jim Mazzarella, who pointed out the impact a saltwater license fee would have on local businesses. “We have charter boats, bait stores–people buy supplies to go fishing,” the legislator said. “They’re all paying too much in taxes as it is.”
Even Brookhaven Town Council candidate Karen Dunne Kesnig weighed in on the issue, “It shouldn’t cost you money to do what Long Island is known for,” she said. “People are out here fishing; they are with their kids, enjoying the weather, the fresh air, and now the state comes along and says you have to pay us to do that. It’s absurd.”
“Saltwater fishing is deeply ingrained in the culture of the Town of Brookhaven, providing a source of recreation and enjoyment for residents and tourists,” Romaine told the governor. “It supports countless small businesses which are key components of Long Island’s economy. Imposing a fee for saltwater fishing would discourage participation, especially among occasional fishermen and tourists, thereby diminishing the economic vitality of our island and participation in an activity cherished since our island was first settled.”
The state currently requires a license fee to fish in freshwater, with the money supposedly going toward conservation. The saltwater proposal is for a $10 fee, and it is unclear if it will be required of children.