To the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board and Staff

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board was tasked with deciding if commercial fishing should be given more strict regulations. The board was also given the task of looking at potential limits on panfish. 

The proposed regulations are

• Daily limits on panfish to 25 fish each, with a daily limit of 50 total on inland waters
• Banning the sale of black/white crappie statewide
• Commercial fishing endorsement is required on fishermen who participate in commercial fishing

THESE PROPOSED REGULATIONS ARE A STEP IN THE DIRECTION OF THE COMPLETE BAN OF COMMERCIAL FISHING

Eric Palmer, Chief of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife stated in the most recent board meeting that commercial fishing has taken place on Lake Champlain and its surrounding inland waters since the 1800s.  He also stated that limits that were on fish already were based on social opinion, meaning no scientific data was gathered before making this decision. Let's look at the crappie limit for example. The daily crappie limit in the state of Vermont is 25 fish per person. This limit was not backed by any scientific data.  Also, the White Crappie is NOT NATIVE to Lake Champlain. Should we be limiting a fish that isn't naturally in our lakes and waters? 

Another example is northern pike or sunfish/bluegill in a trout pond, these fish are not native to these ponds and can deplete trout populations in large numbers. With the proposed laws/limits, sunfish and bluegill will be protected under a 25 fish limit.

By Signing this petition, you do not support the proposed laws to regulate Commercial fishing more and potential limits on panfish until further data and evidence are gathered from EVERY WATER BODY in the State of Vermont.

- Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board Meeting January 15, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuCtrtrAUGQ&t=963s