Connecticut Senate Bill SB00674

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23
• Refer: 1/18/23

Caption

An Act Concerning The Calculation Of Landing Quotas For Commercial Fishermen.

Impact

The proposed changes in SB00674 may have significant implications for state laws that govern commercial fishing and the transfer of fishing licenses. By adjusting the method of calculating landing quotas, the bill intends to recognize the contributions of seasoned fishermen while ensuring that licenses can be passed to new entrants in a manner that is fair and reflective of actual fishing practices. This may encourage the continuity of fishing businesses and support the livelihoods of those within the commercial fishing community.

Summary

SB00674, introduced by Senator Somers, aims to amend the calculation of landing quotas for commercial fishermen in Connecticut. The bill proposes that the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection change the calculation method from assessing landings based on the past several years to using an average of landings over the lifetime of the fishing license. This change seeks to provide a more accurate reflection of a fisherman's historical landings, particularly benefiting those who are retiring from the industry and wish to transfer their licenses.

Contention

Despite its benefits, the bill could face contention from various stakeholders within the fishing community and environmental advocacy groups. Critics might argue that changing the calculation method could result in inaccuracies that could hinder effective management of fish stocks or lead to overfishing, undermining the sustainability goals of state environmental policies. Furthermore, questions could arise around the implications for younger or new fishermen who may receive licenses with inflated quotas based on older fishermen's historical averages, potentially creating disparities within the industry.