State Rep Nicholas Bridle | Support HB1833

I am submitting testimony in support of HB 1833. HB 1833 creates a narrowly tailored, temporary non-resident tuna license for vessel operators who are registered participants in organized tuna tournaments operating out of New Hampshire waters. The bill is intentionally limited in scope and duration, and it preserves full regulatory authority, enforcement, and conservation oversight with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. This legislation addresses a practical licensing gap that arises during sanctioned tuna tournaments, where non-resident vessel operators lawfully participate in events that bring economic activity to our coastal communities but lack a clear, tournament-specific licensing mechanism. HB 1833 resolves that issue without expanding access beyond tournament participation and without authorizing the taking or sale of any marine species other than tuna. At the request of the Fish and Game Department, I am also offering an amendment to bring the derelict fishing gear surcharge language into consistency with other statutes. The amendment replaces a fixed surcharge amount with a defined range, allowing the Executive Director appropriate administrative flexibility through rulemaking. This technical change does not alter the intent of the bill, does not expand eligibility or license duration, and maintains the existing exemption for participants who demonstrate involvement in coastal cleanup programs. HB 1833 balances economic activity, conservation priorities, and regulatory clarity. I respectfully ask the committee to recommend the bill as amended.