McClory: Salt water fishermen will need licenses

Salt water fishermen will soon be paying to enjoy their favorite outdoor activity.The federal government has finally made a decision about the controversial salt water license fee. Starting in 2009 you will be required to have a salt water fishing license.The good news is that there will be no cost for the first few years. However, starting in 2011, all coastal fishermen will be assessed a fee of up to $25. Pretty pricey if you ask me, but I’m sure there will be many changes before this actually goes into effect. I will keep you informed.uWith summer weather warming up lakes and ponds, fish kills may be discovered in area water bodies.The sight of dead and dying fish along the shores of a favorite pond can be distressing and trigger concerns about pollution.It’s natural to think a fish kill is the result of pollution, when in fact, the opposite is likely true the vast majority of fish kills reported are natural events.Natural fish kills are generally the result of low oxygen levels, fish diseases or spawning stress. Dissolved oxygen depletion is one of the most common causes of natural fish kills.As pond temperature increases, water holds less oxygen. During hot summer weather, oxygen levels in shallow, weedy ponds can further decline as plants consume oxygen at night. This results in low early morning oxygen levels that can become critical if oxygen levels fall below the requirement of fish survival.In addition to reduced oxygen levels, late spring and early summer is when most warm water fish species, such as sunfish bluegill, pumpkinseed, largemouth bass begin to spawn.At this time, large numbers of these species crowd into the shallow waters along the shore vying for the best spawning sites. These densely crowded areas become susceptible to disease outbreaks, especially as water temperatures increase. The result is an unavoidable, natural fish kill.uPreliminary numbers gathered by MassWildlife’s five district offices total 2,612 birds taken by licensed hunters during the 2008 spring turkey season, already breaking last year’s record final total of 2,481 birds.The breakdown by MassWildlife District is as follows: Northeast District, 221 birds; Southeast District, 337; Central District, 640; Connecticut Valley District, 688; Western District, 726.Final figures gathered by MassWildlife’s five district offices totaled a record 442 coyotes taken by licensed hunters during the 2007-2008 coyote season.The coyote harvest for 2007-2008 nearly doubled from the previous season total of 222. Approximately half of the increase in harvest was attributed to five additional weeks newly added to the 2007-08 season and the other half of the increase was attributed to an increased harvest during what had been the traditional season dates.uAll bow, shotgun and muzzleloader deer hunters are reminded that in order to take any antlerless deer during any deer hunting seasons, you must possess an antlerless deer permit.The application deadline of Wednesday, July 16 is fast approaching.Don McClory is The Item’s outdoors writer