On 23 November 2009, Governor Deval Patrick signed legislation that will create Massachusetts’ first saltwater fishing license. The bill requires most saltwater recreational anglers to be licensed under a Massachusetts registry, beginning 1 January 2011. The fee, as yet to be determined, will likely be on the order of $10.00 per year, and will affect an estimated 500,000 anglers. The proceeds will pay for data collection, administration of the permitting program, programs to improve public access for recreational fishing, and better fisheries management.
As an interim measure, Federal law requires most Massachusetts saltwater fishermen to register with the National Saltwater Angler Registry, beginning 1 January 2010, while the Commonwealth implements its own system. There will be no fee to register during 2010. The National registry can be reached by clicking on the National Saltwater Angler Registry link at: http://www.countmyfish.noaa.gov/mrip/. As a convenience, the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game will assist MA anglers in the registration process and may provide a link from its Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) site at: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/recreationalfishing/rec_license.htm#license.
Background
The impetus behind the MA legislation was a NOAA Fisheries rule, in compliance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, requiring saltwater anglers who fish in federal ocean waters to be included in a National Saltwater Angler Registry by 1 January 2010. The registry will create a database, or “phone book” of saltwater fishermen, enhancing NOAA’s ability to collect the data necessary to better manage fish stocks.
A provision in the Federal law allows states to adopt their own registries, provided they comply with Federal requirements. The legislation, supported by the Recreational Fishing Steering Committee, and signed by Governor Patrick, will ensure that any registration fees, beyond the cost of program administration, will benefit Massachusetts anglers.
Implementation
MA Senate Bill No. 2200, dated 10 November 2009, can be found at: http://www.mass.gov/legis/bills/senate/186/st02/st02200.htm. The bill provides for selective reciprocity with permits issued by other coastal states. It provides license waivers for the disabled, those under 16, and passengers on a for-hire vessel where the vessel owner holds a suitably valid permit under this legislation. The bill allows license categories to be established, each with its own fee, provided fees are waived for individuals under 16 and 60 years of age or older. It allows for two days each year to be designated as free recreational saltwater (fin) fishing days. The bill establishes, within the Division of Marine Fisheries, a marine recreational fisheries panel to advise the director on the development and administration of saltwater fishing improvement programs, including, but not limited to, the improvement of public access to marine recreational fisheries.
For additional information, updates, clarification, and alternate interpretations, visit the DMF site at: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/index.html or your local bait and tackle shop.
Barry Hass
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
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