Renowned shark fisherman Mark Sampson will discuss a bill to permit more charter captains licenses at the next Coastal Bays Citizens Advisory Committee meeting Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. at the Stevenson United Methodist Church on Main Street in Berlin. The public is invited to attend.

At the meeting, Sampson will expound on the need for more of such licenses in the coastal bays. State limitations on the licenses has meant locals who want to charter coastal bays outings have been left waiting for openings. At a gathering this summer at the Ocean City Tuna Tournament, some 30 locals expressed interest in charter captains licenses.

Following Sampson will be a debate about long docks over marshland. A number of new reports divulge the impacts of such structures and ways to minimize them.

The committee will also review minigrants available from the Coastal Bays Program for 2003 and discuss how to use the moneys for local projects. Schools, individuals, groups, and local businesses are eligible to receive up to $5,000 for projects. A total of $30,000 is currently available.

Highlights of Governor Bob Ehrlich's visit, new biking and kayak trails, zoning changes and the Coastal Bays Boaters Guide are also slated for discussion.

The Citizens Advisory Committee is composed of recreational and commercial fishermen, developers, farmers, and other local business owners and citizens who meet monthly to discuss the goals and direction of the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. All interested parties are invited to attend. For information on the meeting call 410-213-2297