Last week President Donald Trump put a hold on federal spending and then rescinded the order as Americans were outraged at the number of people and institutions that the executive order would impact negatively. The order put the brakes on funds approved by Congress including grants, loans and other financial assistance programs.
The order was vaguely written and had the potential to impact a wide range of federal funding for states, universities, institutions, and nonprofits. Fisheries related programs our industry relies on to drive our state economies in Rhode Island and Massachusetts would have been impacted greatly and are still being hurt by efforts to reduce funding for NOAA Fisheries and dismantle research programs pertaining to sea level rise, warming water, ocean acidification, shifting stocks, and other impacts.
According to Fisheries Economics of the United States, recreational fishing in Massachusetts contributes $931 million in sales impact to the economy annually and in Rhode Island recreational fishing sales impact is $419 milion annually.
NOAA Fisheries, empowered by the fishing law of this nation, the Magnuson-Stevens Act, has a job to do. Its normal funding for 2025 has not been approved yet, never mind funds for 2026. The rescinded executive order is just an example and the tip of the iceberg as important fishery research relating to shifting stocks, warming water, sea level rise and other climate related impacts have been cut or promises have been made by the Administration to cut such funding and it is a mistake.
Massachusetts and Rhode Island rely heavily on recreational fishing to drive our state economies. Recreational fishing is big business in our states, and it is being hurt by reduced and staggering funding of NOAA Fisheries and badly needed research and stock assessments.
To achieve sustainable fisheries, we need to invest in NOAA Fisheries, the federal agency that oversees the recreational and commercial fishing businesses. This is particularly true today as sea level rise and warming water is changing our shoreline, habitat, and the fish available to catch in our area.
NOAA Fisheries, with its mission to produce fisheries science and conduct sustainable management, has a significant impact on our fish populations—from producing high quality stock assessments to keeping catch at sustainable levels, to protecting and restoring fish habitat. It is critical that NOAA has the funding needed to fulfill its stewardship and management role as well as capacity for ecosystem-based fisheries management, enhanced research and stock assessments due to warming water and the geographic shifts in bait and fish stocks.
We need to provide NOAA Fisheries with full funding for both 2025 and 2026. Appropriations support is needed along with support for funding initiatives that will lead to long-term sustainable management as it readies our fisheries for the impacts of warming water and sea level rise. Fully funding NOAA Fisheries will keep this recreational fishing economic engine running.
Fortunately, our Congressional delegations from Massachusetts and Rhode Island have been very supportive of NOAA Fisheries’ budget. I urge anglers, recreational industry businesses and all members of Congress and the Administration to support NOAA’s budget and related fisheries research.
We need to do this for fish, and the economy.

Freshwater fly
tying classes
The Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association (WPWA) will hold four classes under two separate registrations on freshwater fly tying on Feb. 25 and March 4, followed by a second class on March 25 and April 1. The class will use natural or synthetic materials to mimic the organic food of the fish. Classes will allow students to learn the techniques and skills to tie streamers, nymphs, emergers, and dry flies.
The classes start in Hope Valley, RI at 3:30 p.m. and run 90 minutes. The classes run for two consecutive weeks on Tuesday’s, Feb. 25th and March 4th or March 25th and April 1st. In case of severe weather, the instructor will make a judgement on the side of safety and reschedule the class to April 8th.
Classes are restricted to ten students, aged 12 years and older. Registration is required and it closes the first day of class. The cost for two classes is $33.85 and can be paid online upon registration.
Lead Instructor Jeff Perry is past President of United Fly Tyers of RI, a Lifetime member of Trout Unlimited, a Certified Casting Instructor and a Bronze Certification Tyer for Fly Fishers International, an active member of Rhody Fly Rodders, a volunteer instructor for the RI Dept of Environmental Management Aquatics Education Division, a L.L. Bean Casting Instructor and he holds a Masters in Education.
To register, visit Events | WPWA and for information email Kassi@wpwa.org.

Where’s the bite?
Cod. Party boat fishing and few smaller charter boats continue to fish for cod south of Cape Cod and off Rhode Island waters. Fishing Machine Charters, Pt. Judith, RI at www.fishingmachinecharters.com has been hooking up with cod in the Cox Ledge wind farm area and is running open boats so you might be able to get a single spot on the vessel. Larger party boat vessels generally sail between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. and return in the afternoon. Visit www.islandcurrent.com and www.francesfleet.com.Fishing. Full day rates for party boat vessels are generally $130 to $135 per adult and around $80 for those under 12 years old.
Freshwater fishing. For a complete list of trout stocked ponds in Massachusetts visit Mass Wildlife at Trout stocking report | Mass.gov. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) stocked thirteen waterways last week for updates visit Designated Trout Waters | Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.
Dave Monti holds a master captain’s license and charter fishing license. He serves on a variety of boards and commissions and has a consulting business focusing on clean oceans, habitat preservation, conservation, renewable energy, and fisheries related issues and clients. Forward fishing news and photos to dmontifish@verison.net or visit www.noflukefishing.com.