Commercial Fishing License Fees Increased

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April 8, 2002<br><br>Commercial Fishing License Fees Increased<br><br>AUSTIN, Texas -- In response to a legislative mandate to help recover costs associated with administering the state's commercial<br>fishing programs, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved about a 20 percent increase in commercial fishing license fees.<br>The April 4 action follows recommendations from the State Auditor and complies with a mandate included in the 2002-03 General<br>Appropriations Act. The new fee structure will take effect at the beginning of the next license year, which starts Sept. 1.<br>The licenses affected and new fee amounts include: Wholesale Fish Dealer ($750), Resident Commercial Gulf Shrimp Boat ($450),<br>Resident Commercial Bay/Bait Shrimp Boat ($348), Resident Commercial Crab Fisherman ($600), and Resident Commercial Finfish<br>Fisherman ($360). Commercial license transfer and replacement fees will increase by 5-10 percent.<br>TPW estimates the increase will generate an additional $663,000 annually to offset costs associated with managing commercial<br>fisheries, including law enforcement, biological assessments, license buyback and administration.<br><br>Texas Gulf Coast Fisher &lt;*(())))))))))&gt;{<br><A HREF="http://myweb.ecomplanet.com/ROSS6959/" target="_new">http://myweb.ecomplanet.com/ROSS6959/</A>