Like other Federal agencies, NOAA is on the cutting board. However, things are not adding up. It makes good economic sense to fund NOAA as their 2023 annual budget was $6.8 billion, yet fisheries alone have an estimated annual economic impact of over $400 billion. This impact is just the Fisheries side of NOAA with no weather/atmospheric benefits noted.

Based on what is happening with other agencies, NOAA staff reductions could be as high as 10 to 30 percent (1,000 to 3,000 employees). And, based on what we know so far, the impact could be devastating.

Impacts could include the elimination of many science programs that help manage fisheries such as reduced stock assessments jeopardizing fisheries and stock rebuilding programs. Other impacts may include eliminating observers on commercial vessels which would reduce data reliability and the elimination of Sea Grant programs, which is how the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography has funded much needed research to bolster habitat and fisheries programs over the years.  

And the big one, the dismantling of NOAA is possible as it is not an agency established by Congress but rather a Department of Commerce entity.

Things are changing daily, so by the time you read this, new developments may have occurred. But I do know we need to act now by connecting with our US Congress persons, on the House and Senate side, both Republicans and Democrats as growing fish so there are more of them in the water to catch, eat and/or releaser is good for the economy and good for the fish. And NOAA plays a huge role in growing fish and working on healthy habitats for them.

Send your congress person an email or call them and let them know they need to take action, you can find the names of US House members at https://www.house.gov/, contact information for US Senators at  https://www.senate.gov/.

New England Saltwater 

Fishing Show 

March 7 to 9

As a reminder, the New England Saltwater Fishing Show, the largest show of its type in the Northeast, is just two weeks away and is being held Friday, March 7 to Sunday, March 9, 2025, at the Rhode Island Convention Center. The Show features tackle, rods, reels, lures, electronics, charter guides, boats, motors, accessories, clothes and much more.

The Show features over 340 booths with eighteen seminars of interest that will have you catching fish all season. There will be exhibitors show specials and raffles of all types that you will not want to miss and a charter for six as a show door prize.

Scott Travers, Show Director and Executive Director of the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (show sponsor), said, “Seminars will key in on strategies and tactics to target species such as striped bass, summer flounder, tautog, false albacore and tuna.” 

Visit www.nesaltwatershow.com for updates on exhibitors at the show.  

Show hours at the Rhode Island Convention Center are Friday, March 7, 1p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, March 8, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, March 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.   

Children 11 and under admitted free and on Sunday, March 9, Family Day, all women are admitted free.  Visit the Kids Casting Area on Saturday and Sunday.  

All adults who enter the show can register to win a Free Fishing Charter Trip with Capt. Connor MacLeod of Tall Tailz Charters for up to six people. You can purchase raffle tickets for three custom rods donated by Ralph Craft of Crafty One Customs, with the rods displayed at the RISAA membership booths.  

Tickets at the door are $15. 

Where’s the bite?

Cod. Party boat fishing and a few smaller charter boats continue to fish for cod south of Cape Cod and off Rhode Island waters. Elisa Cahill of Snug Harbor Marina, South Kingstown, said, “Not much is going on with saltwater fishing. Some fished last week and had a poor cod bite other than that we are gearing up for the March 7-9 Saltwater Fishing Show at the Rhode Island Convention Center and our big instore sale this year will be April 26 and 27.” 

Visit Fishing Machine Charters, Pt. Judith, RI at www.fishingmachinecharters.com; 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. Check ice conditions with local cities and towns to make sure ice is safe for fishing or skating. Connor Swartz, floor manager at Red Top Sporting Goods, Buzzards Bay said Wednesday,  “Ice on area ponds melted this week with the big rain. Anglers finding open water to fish have been doing well with largemouth bass using shiners.” 

For 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.