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Monday, January 25, 2010, 13:34
NATIONAL SALTWATER ANGLER REGISTRY
On Januray 1, 2010, the NEW National Saltwater Angler registry was kicked off by the federal government. This new program requires that ANYONE fishing ANYWHERE in salt water must be registered with the federal government. Now do not confuse this with the STATE fishing license. This program requires all saltwater RECREATIONAL anglers in the United States to call each year and register. The purpose of this is to hopefully get a more accountable record of your catches. By registering, the feds will compile a "phonebook" in order to contact anglers to obtain catch information directly from them. There is NO fee nor charges for registering until the year 2012 when the cost will be $25.00 per angler. You can register by either calling a toll free number (1-888-674-7411) or online at www.CountMyFish.noaa.gov . You will need to provide your name, address, date of birth, phone number and the areas you plan to fish, although you will not be restricted to fishing only those areas nor will you have to register another area separately. Anyone under the age of 16 is exempt, as well as anyone fishing on a charter boat, party or guide boat. If you hold a Highly Migratory Species Angling Permit or a commercial license, you are exempt as well.
This program is a FEDERAL program not STATE. You are still required to obtain a Virginia Saltwater Fishing license in addition to the federal registry. How will this be "policed"? I have no idea...
I've attended a few meetings where we (Virginia)are trying to find solutions so anglers in our waters can be exempted from the $25.00 federal fee. One possiblity would be to follow North Carolina's lead in doing away with the "boat license". (The Boat License is a blanket license where everyone on the boat is legally licensed to fish as long as they are on said boat. There is a minor savings versus each angler purchasing an annual individual fishing license.) No determinations have been made and there are approximately 23 months left before the mandated fee is imposed in 2012. Keep your eyes on this issue in the media. Call or e-mail your thoughts and concerns to the appropiate agencies. Changes are not made unless voices are heard!! We are already taxed to the hilt for our freedoms - OK!! Let me hush!! Too early in the year to get on a High Horse.. ;)
Donna