When New York Governor David Paterson unveiled his 2009 Executive Budget, many New Yorkers couldn't help but snicker at such belt-tightening proposals as the 15% "obesity tax" on non-diet drinks. For the recreational fishing and boating industry however, particularly a new coalition called Save Boating and Fishing Jobs in New York, the sweeping set of new taxes levied at their "active" tourism industry in New York is no laughing matter.

Efforts to force saltwater anglers to buy a $19 dollar saltwater license ($40 for out of state anglers) before casting a line in New York's coastal waters would strike a heavy blow to marinas, tackle shops and marine dealers, most of whom are already suffering from a two-year-long decline in business. In addition to a saltwater license, the governor's budget would also impose a 5% luxury tax on all boats costing over $200,000, an increase in marina fees, an increase in state park fees and a lifting of the cap on state fuel taxes.

"We're outraged that the Governor would recommend not one, but five new or increased taxes targeting fishermen, boaters and the $1 billion New York recreational fishing industry. We're experiencing an unprecedented downturn in fishing activity. Even fishing from the shore will be an expensive outing under this tax plan," said Jim Donofrio, Executive Director of Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA), a national advocacy group for recreational fishing.

Joining in RFA's opposition is a coalition comprised of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), New York Fishing Tackle Trade Association (NYFTTA), United Boatmen of New York and the New York Marine Trades Association (NYMTA). The new coalition is calling itself Save Boating and Fishing Jobs in New York.

Recreational marine fishing in New York created $812 million in sales, directly supported 5,365 jobs, provided $424 million in value-added economic impact and $126 million in tax revenue, according to a 2006 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) study. NMFS excluded significant revenue from excise taxes applied to fishing trips, bait and tackle sales, and marine fuel.

"Fishermen already pay a huge amount in taxes to enjoy their sport," Donofrio said. "The state should create more incentives to spur its growth. A healthy, vibrant recreational fishery can increase revenue. Now is the time to support this important industry, not stifle it."

Coalition leaders believe that efforts by the state government to levy increased fees on regional fishing and boating could seriously impact New York's marine tourism industry. "When a politician implements a $2 cigarette tax or a 15% obesity tax, he'll tell you unabashedly that it's designed in part to stop people from using these products," said Jim Hutchinson, Jr. Executive Editor of The Fisherman. "Likewise, this over-taxation of boating and fishing will push many people and businesses over the edge. Fishermen will stay home, small businesses will be hurt and the state will lose more in general tax revenue than it gains from these sweeping taxes."

The NYFTTA has worked in recent months with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) to design a marine district saltwater registry that will minimize the cost to fishermen while increasing federal funding of fisheries management and boating infrastructure. "We hope the governor and legislature will drop the tax and instead support the saltwater registry being developed by the NYS DEC," said an obviously frustrated Gene Young, President of NYFTTA. "The Governor's license plan will smash open the lock box that now prevents the diversion of funds earmarked for marine conservation. The license fees will disappear into a general conservation fund, and the net effect will be a cutback in marine fisheries management."

"It has become tough enough to enjoy fishing in just the past few years. Summer fluke season has been shortened, winter flounder fishing soon will be banned and there's lower take limits on other local game fish," stated Philip Curcio of United Boatmen of New York, a trade organization representing the voice of the recreational charter and party boat industry in New York.

To learn more and to send a form letter to Governor Paterson, visit the RFA website at www.joinrfa.org.