JackC

Questions on the final version of the bill. The ammendments that people thought the bill contained did not exist. The proposed boat license was not added to the bill because it does not meet the intent of the federal legislation (individual angler registry). With the federal implementation date a bit "out there" (2011) we may see some more common sense injected into this requirement. No idea is anyone at DEP will push this for next year (my hunch is no). I do think you'll see NY and CT try to implement something before the 2011 date (pure speculation on my part). Once the federal requirement looms over the state governments I'm sure they will be doing something in order to collect funds themselves.

Jack

zyg

There's been a lot of articles and editorials in the papers lately which indicate the pots getting put back on the burner again. Anybody hear any thing official? Jack, anything from the Fisheries Advisory Panel? Is it the the same old proposal or is there anything new that makes sense?

The NOAA Fisheries Angler Registry team has just begun their work on setting up the plan the states must meet. You can read more about what their up to here... Office of Science and Technology
So you would hope the CT proposal would not come out before the requirements are complete.

There was an article in the NY Post the other day that mentioned a different approach by legislators in NJ that are sponsoring an idea by the RFA to introduce a special moter vechicle plate that would cover a state marine fishing registry. Nice idea - NO LICENSE.

from the NY POST:
Senators John Adler (D-6th) and Stephen Sweeney (D-3rd) introduced S 2945, a bill in the New Jersey State Senate to establish the Recreational Fishing Alliance license plate. Designed by marine artist Steve Goione, the RFA license plate will feature a life-like rendition of an Atlantic striped bass feeding in Jersey waters. Funds generated from RFA license plate sales will help finance marine fishery programs in the state and create a saltwater angler registry. The creation of a free saltwater angler registry would eliminate the need for a saltwater license which would amount to a tax on anglers.

"We envision the revenue generated from the sale of RFA license plates will help fill budgetary gaps within the NJ marine fisheries programs and more importantly, fully fund the implementation of a state level saltwater angler registry,'' states Jim Donofrio. "A registry is a much more comprehensive method of gathering angler information required by Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Most saltwater licenses are littered with exemptions that create gaps in data collection.''

The entire storty: http://www.nypost.com/seven/11282007/sports/anglers_must_be_heard_785605.htm

fishcounterbob

If it is truly mandated that the last remaining states that do not require a SWL will have one by 2011, let's hope the revenue is used to create long term preservation and inprovements for recreational fishing. Boat ramps, piers, and perhaps a portion going the rearing if some species would be a revelation. How about purchasing some private properties for access?

JackC

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.

zyg

Thanks for the response and insight Jack. Appreciate it.