Committee hears hours of testimony on bill to ban live bait imports; Fish & Game opposes

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 Merson, who owns two bait shops, said she and her family cannot trap enough local bait to meet demand and that import certificates accompany most deliveries.

Officials from New Hampshire Fish and Game gave technical testimony opposing an outright ban. Matthew Pearson, Fish and Game fish health biologist, walked the committee through the department’s current testing and permitting framework and said the department enforces testing standards (AFS "Blue Book" protocols) and reviews facility biosecurity. He told the committee the department already restricts nonnative imports and that many imported bait fish are ‘‘identified, tested and only allowed from approved facilities.’’ Diane Timmons, inland fisheries division chief, said dealers import about 800,000–900,000 bait fish annually and that removing imports could harm retailers and, she said, the state’s fishing economy. Fish and Game also presented a fiscal note estimating revenue effects tied to license sales.

Environmental and invasive-species experts supported the bill. Amanda Hansen of Upstream Policies told the committee that studies and federal sources link use of live bait with aquatic invasions and pathogens. She cited U.S. Geological Survey findings and state experiences in Minnesota and Maine. Hansen said anglers sometimes release unused live bait and that DNA studies have found invasive species in retail bait supplies.

Committee members questioned how a ban would be enforced and whether in-state bait farms could substitute for imports. Witnesses said there are few domestic bait farms in New Hampshire; several retailers said they rely on a small number of specialized local trappers and on out-of-state suppliers to meet peak demand.

After public testimony and a short recess for executive session, the committee voted in executive session to recommend ITL (Inexpedient to Legislate) on HB720. (Committee motion: move ITL; mover: Rep. Murphy; seconder: Rep. Durkin. Outcome recorded by roll call: 15 yes.)

Why it matters: The debate pits small businesses and local tourism economies against ecological and long-term fishery health concerns; the committee’s ITL recommendation signals reluctance to impose an import ban at this time while leaving room for future rulemaking or targeted regulatory changes.