Maryland’s billion-dollar recreational fishing industry–times 11

In its barely disguised campaign to tear a chunk from the hides of watermen under the guise of conservation, the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen’s Association is asking the governor and Department of Natural Resources officials to slash the annual commercial striped bass harvest from 42.5 percent of the state’s total take to 10 percent.

The MSSA’s letter reminds Maryland’s leaders that “the social and economic impacts of recreational fishing on our state are irrefutable” while “the value for the fish on the commercial market has been stagnant at best.” The value of recreational fishing, according to the letter is “over a $1 billion.”

Outdoors Girl: Maryland’s billion-dollar recreational fishing industry–times 11 – Maryland parks and outdoors: Life in Maryland’s great outdoors by Candy Thomson – baltimoresun.com