I write on behalf of Capt. H. Dale Parsons Fisherman’s Wharf; Capt. Ted Moulinier of Angler’s Fishing Center; Capt. Pete Russo of Captain’s Lady Charters; Capt. Burt Adams of Judy V. Headboatss; James Donofrio of the Recreational Fishing Alliance; and the customers, crews, captains, and owners of the vessels which bring anglers out into the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, and rivers to fish or otherwise enjoy our marine resources.
I write to respectfully ask Gov. John Carney to reopen the now shuttered historic for-hire industry, better known as the head boat and charter boat industry. The severe impact that closures have had on this business cannot be exaggerated.
In order to responsibly address the concerns associated with the exposure to the COVID-19 virus, our proposal seeks a measured and cautious reopening, which incorporates protective measures for those who have historically sought to enjoy the marine environment on these boats.
Within the for-hire industry, there are generally two categories of boats - Coast Guard-inspected vessels and uninspected vessels operated by Coast Guard-licensed captains. We have had numerous teleconferences with owners and operators of for-hire vessels. Their top priority is the safety of their customers and crew. They are ready to implement protective measures, and willing to make considerable concessions to ensure this safety.
We offer in our proposal criteria and practices that when implemented would greatly reduce the risk of infection and be consistent with state and federal measures currently in place and applied in other industries. On behalf of the recreational fishermen and businesses in the state of Delaware, we ask that you allow the opening of this industry subject to each member complying with these rules.
The for-hire businesses that make up the infrastructure for Delaware’s recreational fishing industry are essential and necessary to support recreational saltwater fishing access in the future. In addition to contributing significantly to Delaware’s resort area economy, these operations provide the public the ability to access the state’s marine resources.
A continued closure jeopardizes the future of that segment of the industry, which has already been suffering from a 50 percent drop in revenue over the last 12 years due to fishing closures. Much of the economic damage done to these businesses cannot be undone. An opportunity of a structured and tempered opening, however, could help save many of those historic and traditional businesses while providing an otherwise unavailable means of access to marine resources for anglers who do not have other means.
We intend to reopen Friday, May 15, when the black sea bass season opens in the state of Delaware.
I thank Gov. Carney for his serious consideration of this reopening. I ask that if he or any administrator or staff have any questions please call me directly and I will address those issues with the industry members.
Capt. Dale Parsons
Lewes
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