Resolved, That the National Office of Science and Technology Marine Fisheries Office studies recreational fishing participation; and

Whereas, a recent study of recreational fishing participation in Massachusetts showed that 2011 recreational fishing participation had dropped from 1,258,124 individuals in 2006 to 897,115 representing a 29% reduction; and

Whereas, out of state individual anglers had dropped from 484,288 in 2006 to 292,701 in 2011, representing a 40% reduction; and

Whereas, Southwick Associates conducted a study in 2005 estimating that the total economic activity generated by recreational Striped Bass fishing in the Commonwealth in 2003 was $1,158,000,000; and

Whereas, using the estimates offered by Southwick Associates, a decline from 2006 to 2012 of 29% of individual recreational fisherman would equal a loss of $390,000,000 in economic activity for the Commonwealth and a concurrent loss of hotel, motel, sales, meals, alcohol, gas and other taxes and revenues to the Commonwealth; and therefore be it

Resolved, that the department of revenue, in conjunction with the joint committee on revenue, shall conduct a study of the decline of the recreational fishery with particular emphasis on Striped Bass, and the concurrent impact on the revenues of the commonwealth; and be it further

Resolved, that said study shall be completed by December 15, 2013 and forwarded to the division of fisheries and wildlife with recommendations to enhance the revenue generating capacity of the recreational fishery.