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A second phase of the proposed program would be the promotion of the
salt-water sports fishing industry, to increase the tourist industry that is
based upon salt-water sports fishing along the coast. The State of Virginia,
some eleven years ago, established a citation and awards program where awards
are given for record sized fish and unusual fish. If a species of low popula-tion
is involved, such as the blue marlin, a certificate of release is given.
The weight of the fish is estimated and an affidavit sworn to by the boat
captain or some other responsible person. Instead of bringing the trophy
fish in and letting it lie on the dock to be discarded, as they are in most
cases, the fish are returned to the water. This approach has worked quite
well in Virginia. In North Carolina, the citation and awards program could
be coupled with promotional support from the Division of Travel and Promotion.
Proposed Financing
It was proposed that the artificial reef portion of this program and
the citation and awards portion of this program be funded through a combina-tion
of a small appropriation from the General Fund and the commitment of a
portion of the State Motor Fuel Tax. $25,000 per year was requested in
appropriations for each year of the 1973-75 biennium. In addition it was
proposed that 1/8 of 1% of the net proceeds of the gasoline tax be permanently
allocated and earmarked to the Division of Commercial and Sports Fisheries
for support of sports fishing programs. This allocation would probably yield
approximately $250,000 in net annual revenues.
The Outboard Boating Club of America estimates North Carolina boat oumers
pay over one million dollars in fuel taxes annually. It has been estimated
by the Research Triangle Institute that of those individuals eligible to
receive a rebate through the non-highway use provision of the law, a relatively