I think the federal fee will be around $30.00 (I need to confirm that). I also don't think that they have exemptions for the "for hire fleet" (the point being if you don't have a state program and you have a charter or party boat the people that come on board are supposed to have a federal "registration") - I need to confirm that as well but I think I'm correct.
As for the DEP and the legislature I had a few discussions with DEP staff and the overall sentiment was that in the big picture, fisheries issues pale in comparison to other issues (budget, crime, etc.). Since I don't think we have many anglers (if any) that are on the state legislature we have a real problem with the legislature paying any attention to fisheries issues.
What will be interesting is if the COs will have to enforce federal registration requirements.
I have a DEP meeting in June and I will have some more answers then.
Jack |