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