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Committee hears hours of testimony on bill to ban live bait imports; Fish & Game opposes
Summary
Representative Patrick N. Long introduced HB720, which would ban importation and sale of live baitfish from out of state, and the committee heard divided testimony from bait dealers, Fish and Game staff, and invasive-species experts.
Representative Patrick N. Long (Hillsborough 26) opened public testimony on HB720, saying the bill aims to “protect our fisheries from invasive species and aquatic diseases before they become widespread, costly problems.” He told the committee the importation of bait fish is “one of the most significant pathways for introducing invasive species and harmful pathogens into our waters.”
The bill drew lengthy testimony from bait-shop owners and businesses across the Lakes Region who said their winter revenues depend on imported smelt and shiners. Doug Rollins, owner of Winnesquam Bait and Tackle, told the committee he relies on imports for up to “almost 70% of our business” during winter and called the proposal “very premature, if not ridiculous.” Rebecca…
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