Bill > H2686

This bill, originating from the One Hundred and Eighty-Ninth General Court in 2015-2016, resolves to study the loss of revenues to the Commonwealth, specifically focusing on the fishing industry. It highlights a significant drop in recreational fishing participation in Massachusetts, with a 29% decrease in individuals and a 40% drop in out-of-state anglers between 2006 and 2011. Citing a 2005 study estimating substantial economic activity from recreational Striped Bass fishing, the bill projects a potential loss of $390,000,000 in economic activity and associated tax revenues due to this decline. Consequently, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, in collaboration with the House and Senate Joint Committee on Revenue, is tasked with conducting this study, with a particular focus on Striped Bass fishing and its impact on Commonwealth revenues. The study is to be completed by December 15, 2015, and submitted to the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries with recommendations to boost the revenue-generating potential of the recreational fishery.