Timely question - the "Marine Advisory Group" just had a meeting this week and this was on the agenda. Short story is that by 2009 all SW anglers across the US will have to register via a federal registry. Payment provisions do not kick in until 2011. I don't see how the RFA concept in NJ is in compliance with the registration requirements (and I'm an RFA member as well- not a pick on them).
Basic requirements - individual "registration" of all anglers (with provision for no license for children under a certain age - just like inland). Compliation of a database of anglers for survey purposes (basically a phone book of SW anglers by state) - for the feds/state survey purposes.
Anglers on Party/Charter are not required to be licensed as long as the boat has appropriate logs/licenses (some definiton needed).
DEP will attempt to get the a similar bill in front of the 2008 legislature. If the bill passes we would be in compliance with 2009 federal requirements (your observations on the need to have state licenses comply with federal requirements is accurate). The feds have very good communication mechanisms with the state agencies so the CTDEP is "in the loop". If the bill does not pass we will have to register in 2009 (but not pay) - and again in 2010, - but pay in 2011. Will we have a SW license in 2009 - my gut reaction is no - but by 2010 we should - in order to avoid giving "funds" to the feds.
Money from a SW license has to go to the CTDEP, but not necessarily will it go directly to marine fisheries. It goes to the "conservation fund" dedicated to DEP but not necessarily marine fisheries. |