Hearing for Baitfish Regulations Planned for February 6 in Barton
People who ice fish have probably noticed in the last few weeks that there are big changes in how baitfish are sold and handled in Vermont, and not everybody is happy about it. However, members of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources emphasize that they enacted the emergency regulations in a move to protect fish in the various bodies of water in the state.If you want to share your thoughts on these new bait regulations, or have some ideas of your own, the Agency of Natural Resources are holding a series of public meetings on the topic. One of the meetings is scheduled to take place on February 6 at Lake Region Union High School in Barton, Vermont.
The following is a press release issued by the Agency of Natural Resources announcing the meetings and explaining the emergency regulations.
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“Waterbury, VT – Anglers will have the opportunity to comment on the draft baitfish regulations at five public hearings around the state starting Tuesday, January 29th.
The emergency baitfish regulation, which was to expire in February, has been renewed and will continue until the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board enacts a permanent regulation that will replace it.
Shawn Good, the Fish & Wildlife Department fisheries biologist heading their Aquatic Nuisance Species Team, says the existing emergency rule as well as the permanent rule the F&W Board is working on are necessary to prevent Vermont’s waters and fish from becoming infected with a deadly fish virus known as Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS).
A summary of the emergency regulation is provided below. The complete text of the regulation is available at http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/laws_rules.cfm.
How does this new Emergency regulation apply to anglers who are trapping, buying and using baitfish?
· The personal harvest and use of wild fish as bait is now prohibited with the exception of yellow perch and rainbow smelt, which only can be used on the waters from which they were caught.
· A person may buy, possess, transport, and use only Vermont-approved species of baitfish.
· Anyone purchasing baitfish must keep and show upon request a receipt for purchases of baitfish from a state-approved commercial bait dealer. Purchased baitfish may only be used on a single water body, and may not be transported (live or dead) off the water or ice once taken there. This includes preserved minnows. Unused baitfish may be killed and left on the ice.
· Receipts specifying the water where the bait may be used are valid for 48 hours from time and date of sale.
· It is illegal for anglers to transport baitfish species into Vermont from another state or Canadian province.
Commercial Bait Dealers - Permitted Activities and Restrictions
· The commercial harvest, sale, and use of wild fish as bait are prohibited, except for those commercial dealers who will be designated as Lake Champlain Zone bait shops who may only harvest wild bait from Lake Champlain, and only sell bait for use on Lake Champlain. Any other baitfish sold commercially must originate from a fish hatchery approved by the Fish & Wildlife Commissioner.
· A Commercial Bait Dealer may buy, possess, transport, and use only approved species of baitfish.
· A commercial bait dealer must provide each customer with a copy of a receipt containing the following information: 1) A unique receipt identification number, 2) The name of the bait dealer, 3) time and date of sale, 4) species purchased, 5) quantity purchased, 6) water body (limited to one) on which the bait will be used, 7) signature of purchaser.
· Receipt forms will be provided to commercial bait dealers by the Fish & Wildlife Department.
· Commercial bait dealers must keep receipts and records of each individual lot of baitfish introduced into their shop for sale. The records must include the name of seller, address and telephone number of seller, date received, species identification, and number purchased. The permit holder shall retain the original receipts for at least one year after the date of sale.
Disposal of water.
· Upon being removed from the water, all watercraft, watercraft trailers, boating or fishing equipment, including water in any bilge, ballast tank, bait bucket, and live well must be immediately emptied and drained of all water.
· This does not apply to tanks or containers of potable drinking water or other beverages meant for human consumption.
“’We have been receiving a lot of input so far by phone and e-mail,” said Good. “The public hearings will give anglers a chance to learn about the issues and provide their comments on the regulation. I believe that in the end, we will be able to successfully adopt a final rule that protects Vermont from the VHS fish disease while at the same time, lessening the burden on anglers. I think people understand the danger we face with this disease and recognize the responsibility of the department to take the appropriate precautions. We just need to find that balance, and I think we will.’” …
For more detailed information on the VHS fish disease and how to help prevent the introduction and spread of VHS, visit http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/vhs.cfm.”
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So if you’re interested in the health of the fishery and/or have questions about the new baitfish regulations please attend the meeting in Orleans. Our fishery, and the sport of fishing, relies upon the community’s input.
To get additional information on the current regulation, please contact Shawn Good, 802-786-3863 or Tom Jones, 802-241-3708, at Fish & Wildlife.