February 19, 2019 โ Two bills that could have a big impact on Connecticutโs multi-million dollar commercial fishing business were the subject of an Environment Committee public hearing last week.
One of the bills would require the commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to allow fishermen who are licensed in more than one state to engage in dual landings of fish.
The legislation would allow commercial fishermen to take one dayโs catch and bring them across state lines โ to Rhode Island and New York โ not just Connecticut.
Fishermen in Connecticut are not allowed to cross state lines with their catch. That means they have to make multiple trips even if they carry commercial fishing licenses in neighboring states.
The other bill would โprohibit the possession and trade of shark fins in the state.โ The aim is to protect sharks from skinning for trade but commercial fishermen are worried that the bill may lead to a complete ban on shark fishing.
The dual landing fishing bill is sponsored by Sen. Heather Somers, R-Groton.
โThis is a very important bill for commercial fishermen,โ Somers told the committee. โThey have been faced with unfair quotas compared to other states.โ