A tax bill working its way through the legislature could destroy the state’s charter-fishing fleet, even though the measure would exempt charter boats from new direct taxes, according to Capt. John Rainone, president of the Rhode Island Party and Charter Boat Association.

The bill could also affect the rest of the sport-fishing industry, which generates $188.5 million in business each year in the state, according to figures compiled by the American Sportfishing Association, a national trade organization.

The bill, introduced by Rep. Arthur Handy, D-Cranston, is riddled with contradictions, says Capt. Jim White, a member of the charter boat association. For example, it extends the sales-tax exemption on boat sales as long as the boats are docked in Rhode Island.

On the other hand, the measure would impose a new tax on dockage. In addition, charter boats must buy federal and state permits, pay corporation taxes (which would rise under Handy’s measure) and special insurance in order to operate legally.

White, the skipper of the center-console boat White Ghost, says, “I have to spend $38,000 before I make my first dime of the season.”

Besides affecting charter boats directly, the tax bill would also increase or broaden taxes on businesses that draw tourist anglers to Rhode Island, such as hotels and taxis, says White.

“If this thing passes,” he says, “it means the end of the sport-fishing business as we know it.”

Rainone agrees. “The guys who are doing 60 to 70 trips a year,” he says, “are going to fail.”

Aiming high

Two Rhode Island girls are heading for the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs to compete in women’s air rifle at the National Junior Olympics.

Danielle Makucevich, 10, of Portsmouth and Catherine Green, 15, of Coventry will represent the Newport Rifle Club in Colorado.

Danielle has been a member of the shooting scene since she was a toddler, accompanying her mother, Michele Makucevich, to competitions. Her mom is a competitive rifle shooter and coach for the Newport club. Danielle is a fifth grader at the Melville School. She will compete in the 14-and-under division.

Catherine has been shooting for two years. She is a sophomore at Coventry High School. She will compete in the 15- to 17-year-old division.

Dinner for ducks

The South Shore Chapter of Ducks Unlimited has scheduled a wild-game dinner for April 19 in North Kingstown.

“This is a new promotional event intended to recruit hunters and inform them about Ducks Unlimited,” said Jim Tappero in an e-mail. “The event is targeted at getting new people involved and interested in volunteering with DU in conservation-oriented efforts.”

The dinner will be at the Narragansett Bow Hunters Club, 1531 Ten Rod Rd. (Route 102) in North Kingstown.

Tickets cost $25 and must be purchased a week in advance.

The cost includes dinner and a membership to Duck’s Unlimited. Everyone who wears a camouflage shirt or pants will eligible to win a Benelli shotgun.

To buy a ticket, contact Tappero by e-mail at griz1300@yahoo.com, or by phone at 783-6889.

Seeking volunteers

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission is seeking “non-traditional stakeholder” to volunteer for its shad and river-herring advisory panel.

Anyone interested in volunteering or in serving as an adviser can get an advisory panel nomination form by contacting the commission at (202) 289-6400 or downloading the nomination form on the commission’s Web site at http://www.asmfc.org/ad_panel.htm.

The completed nomination form must be submitted to the commission by April 24 at 5 p.m.

tmeade@projo.com