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Where the money goes: |
Commercial license fees support vital marine fisheries functions An annual ritual for commercial fishermen in North Carolina, as certain as hull maintenance or mullets in the fall, is the purchase of licenses and issuance of permits from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. In fiscal year 2008 the division issued more than 23,000 licenses and permits, including Standard Commercial Fishing Licenses, Recreational Commercial Gear Licenses, and Fish Dealer Permits. The license fees collected from these sales play an important role in the division’s mission of ensuring sustainable fisheries. |
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Marine Fisheries doesn’t get paid from recreational fishing fines By Lauren Morris In 2008 the N.C. Marine Patrol issued 1,210 citations to individuals fishing without a Coastal Recreational Fishing License. These individuals unknowingly contributed $35 to North Carolina’s public schools. “All fines go back to the schools in the county where the citation was issued,” Col. Rex Lanier of the N.C. Marine Patrol explained. This is a requirement of the North Carolina Constitution, and is also outlined in the General Statutes. The law states “the clear proceeds of all penalties and forfeitures and of all fines collected” are to be used specifically for the maintenance of free public schools. |
If convicted, a fisherman will ultimately pay $156 for fishing without a recreational license. In addition to a $35 fine, $121 in court costs is associated with a citation. Court costs also do not come back to the Division of Marine Fisheries, but are remitted to the court system. Agencies are allowed to assess up to 20 percent of the money for actual collection costs. The Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) does not allow agencies to consider the costs of normal business functions or duties, such as patrol efforts, when computing collection costs. The General Assembly also gave that office the task of approving the percentage retained by an agency. Agencies submit a worksheet for approval of collection costs to the OSBM annually.
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