CCA MD Calls Upon Maryland to Protect Enforcement of Marine Laws in Budget Process

Because of the immense value marine resources have to Maryland’s economy and their importance to residents throughout the state, the Coastal Conservation Association Maryland (CCA MD) today called upon Governor Martin O’Malley to protect the ability of the Natural Resources Police (NRP) to enforce marine resource laws as he considers budget cuts. CCA MD represents more than 1,800 recreational anglers and conservation-minded citizens.

“We clearly recognize that the Governor is in a difficult position having to act on recommendations he has been given to meet the pending budget shortfall,” said Sherman Baynard, chair, CCA MD Fisheries Committee. “We encourage the Governor, however, not to impose cuts that could have a long term negative impact on state revenue and weaken recreational outdoor opportunities for our citizens.”

Among cuts suggested to Gov. O’Malley are elimination of the NRP helicopter unit and 23 currently vacant positions.

CCA MD called upon its members to contact the governor’s office expressing their support for maintaining NPR capabilities and not eliminating those two areas from the state budget.

“Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources recently has recommended significant regulations to protect fisheries in the Chesapeake Bay, including the blue crab and yellow perch,” explained Robert Glenn, CCA MD executive director. “These regulations are positive steps toward protecting valuable marine resources. However, without enforcement capabilities, regulations are worthless.”

Baynard points out that recreational angling uses of the Bay annually bring more than $1,000,000,000 into Maryland.

“People come from other states to avail themselves of the resources the Chesapeake has to offer,” he said. “This means hotel stays, meals in restaurants, purchases at Maryland fishing and tackle stores, and use of fishing guides and charter captains in our community. All this brings revenue not only to the state, but to local business people and residents. To protect this economic resource, we must protect our marine resources and that means enforcement of regulations.”

CCA MD also expressed concern about the number of personnel the NRP currently has, how that number already has declined, and how retirements will further erode the staff in coming years.

“NRP capabilities are already significantly reduced,” Glenn explained. “In 1990 there were a total of 451 authorized law enforcement officers in NRP and the Maryland Park Service. Now merged, there are only 289 positions. Actual manpower on the ground is down 50 percent due to unfilled positions with a corresponding increased level of statewide responsibilities. Plus, 67 officers are currently eligible for retirement.”

“Maryland has a tremendously valuable resource in the Chesapeake Bay, but we need to protect it,” Glenn indicated. “The NRP is the only state enforcement agency with marine capabilities. To cut its ability to enforce regulations could damage this resource for generations to come.”

CCA MD also points to the fact that both governmental bodies with marine responsibilities and organizations involved in Bay issues agree that enforcement of marine resource laws must be a top priority.

“Both the Maryland Fisheries Task Force and the Oyster Advisory Commission have called for improvement in marine conservation enforcement,” Baynard said. “Recreational anglers and commercial interests agree that enforcement is essential. Cutting programs and personnel in the NRP will achieve just the opposite outcome. While it’s clear the state must develop a balanced budget, we urge the Governor not to further erode the ability of the NRP to enforce marine regulations.”