Maryland Bill 331 takes Fisheries from DNR

[Wirehair]

Entitled:
Marine and Estuarine Fisheries Commission - Establishment - Powers, Functions, and Duties

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Synopsis:
Establishing the Marine and Estuarine Fisheries Commission (MEFC) as an independent State agency; transferring specified powers, functions, and duties related to the management of marine and estuarine fisheries, and specified funds from the Department of Natural Resources and the Department's Secretary to the MEFC by July 1, 2003; specifying duties and functions for which the MEFC and the Department are jointly responsible; requiring the Governor to appoint MEFC members by October 1, 2002; etc.

[DougMD]

Is this an underhanded way to take power and money away from sportsman-minded people in the oversight of Maryland fisheries?

[Wirehair]

Doug you have it backwards. It takes the govenor and politics out of managing our Fisheries and puts it back into the hands of the sportsmen. It will allow the biologists who are hired by the state to do their jobs without being fired for offending the governor.
The people who are appointed must have backgrounds in Marine & Estuarine Fisheries and not just be friends with someone at the capitol.

[Cougar Mag]

Of course I am not from Maryland but Wirehair, most times when their are appointees they are friends of the politician who appointed them.

[DougMD]

Wirehair,

Thanks for setting me straight on that.

Whew! Finally a development in the state that can be looked favorably upon by sportmen. What is the status of the bill? Is it to be voted on shortly or has it already passed?

[Wirehair]

Cougar, I know but I think the way this is set up is that the candidates must meet a set criteria before their name gets forwarded for approval.

Doug, So far no date or time has been set for the hearing.

[mike bell]

Wirehair, Who do you think the Governer is going to appoint? I got a very stong feeling it will be the Cheasapeak anti-sportsmen enviro freaks!! They are so close to Glenndenning(sp?) its like stink on poop!! You cant seperate the two! I dont trust him or the Cheasapeak freaks! D.T.A.!!

[Pesky Critters]

I agree with Mike Bell!.

[Wirehair]

Mike, the "Cheasapeak anti-sportsmen enviro freaks" would not meet the requirements that current are proposed. The governor can only appoint members from a list of candidates that have gone through a screening process.

A lot can change between now and when it goes to a vote. We just have to do what we can to stop some of this Political BS.

Heres the link to the bill, all 92 pages.

http://mlis.state.md.us/2002rs/billfile/hb0331.htm

[vc1111]

Must be something in the water in Maryland. Man, you guys have your hands full.