Post by Steve Sutton on May 2, 2010 14:52:56 GMT -5
The Division of Marine Fisheries reminds saltwater anglers that this year saltwater anglers must register with the federal government to fish.
A new federal law that took effect January 1, 2010 requires most Massachusetts recreational saltwater fishermen 16 years old and older to register with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) either online via www.countmyfish.noaa.gov/ or by calling (888) MRIP-411 [(888) 674-7411]. There is no fee for federal registration in 2010.
People fishing on saltwater charter or head-boats will not be required to register. Private boat or family registrations are not available. This year, non-residents planning saltwater fishing trips in Massachusetts must possess a saltwater fishing permit from any state or from the federal saltwater registration system.
Beginning in 2011, saltwater anglers will be required to purchase a state recreational saltwater fishing permit. The fee for this permit is estimated to be $10 and will be the same cost for all anglers, including non-residents. Anyone 16 or older will be required to purchase a saltwater fishing permit. Saltwater fishermen 60 or older will be required obtain a permit, but the permit will be free. Saltwater anglers in the state will not register with the federal registration system in 2011.
The new permit system will allow federal and state marine fisheries to collect better data on saltwater recreational fishing. The current data collection system is inefficient and imprecise.
Marine fisheries managers need quality data to make the best decisions possible on saltwater creel limits, seasons and sizes.
A new federal law that took effect January 1, 2010 requires most Massachusetts recreational saltwater fishermen 16 years old and older to register with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) either online via www.countmyfish.noaa.gov/ or by calling (888) MRIP-411 [(888) 674-7411]. There is no fee for federal registration in 2010.
People fishing on saltwater charter or head-boats will not be required to register. Private boat or family registrations are not available. This year, non-residents planning saltwater fishing trips in Massachusetts must possess a saltwater fishing permit from any state or from the federal saltwater registration system.
Beginning in 2011, saltwater anglers will be required to purchase a state recreational saltwater fishing permit. The fee for this permit is estimated to be $10 and will be the same cost for all anglers, including non-residents. Anyone 16 or older will be required to purchase a saltwater fishing permit. Saltwater fishermen 60 or older will be required obtain a permit, but the permit will be free. Saltwater anglers in the state will not register with the federal registration system in 2011.
The new permit system will allow federal and state marine fisheries to collect better data on saltwater recreational fishing. The current data collection system is inefficient and imprecise.
Marine fisheries managers need quality data to make the best decisions possible on saltwater creel limits, seasons and sizes.
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