Written by Deb Levensailor | 14 May 2010

A Federal law went into effective on January 1, 2010 which requires most people fishing recreationally in saltwater to sign up on the National Saltwater Angler Registry, maintained by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service. There is no fee to register in 2010.
According to the department's Web site, NOAA's mission is to "understand and predict changes in the earth's environment and conserve and manage coastal and marine resources to meet our nation's economic, social and environmental needs... The NOAA Fisheries Service provides world class science and stewardship."
As part of their efforts to manage fish stock and related ecosystems, NOAA officials have established the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) to gather data regarding recreational saltwater fishing. The national registry is a key part of MRIP.
NOAA's Web site states, "Beginning January 1, 2010, Maine fishermen will need to register if they: Fish for or catch anadromous species in tidal and salt waters; these are fish like smelt, shad or river herring that live in oceans but spawn in fresh water, OR Fish in the Federal waters more than three miles from the ocean shore or from the mouth of rivers or bays, OR Don‘t meet any of the exceptions in the law. Those exceptions include anglers who are under the age of 16; only fish on licensed charter, party or guide boats; hold a Highly Migratory Species Angling permit; or are fishing commercially under a valid license. In addition, out-of-state saltwater anglers who are already registered with NOAA do not need to re-register to fish in Maine (in 2010 only)."
On March 25th, the Maine Senate passed LD 1432, An Act To Create A Saltwater Recreational Fishing Registry, the House passed it on March 26th, and Governor Baldacci signed it on March 29th. The new law goes into effect on January 1, 2011 and includes the current federal exceptions.
"I'm pleased with the compromises we made to create a Maine registry," said Representative Leila Percy of Phippsburg during a recent phone conversation. "It was the best it possibly could be for the times we're dealing with. What's wonderful about the democratic process is that when you get opinions and input, have patience, and keep working together, you can come up with something that works for everyone."
She said certain organized groups tried to pit commercial and recreational fishermen against each other, and to divide inland and coastal fishermen concerning establishing a Maine registry.
"But, we were able to get past that negative behavior, rise above it and take the high road, and focus on what's best for the people of the State of Maine." Percy stated.
Percy is Chairwoman of the Marine Resources Committee. She said she has been working on this issue for four years. The committee voted 10-3 to support creating the Maine registry and to have the license fees dedicated to state fisheries, marine patrol and resource management.
"We're thrilled that for once there's a reliable method to gather data from all who are fishing. It was random and flawed before." Percy said. "We'll now know who to call and ask, ‘How's the fishing?"
Percy believes the registry will help to better manage valuable marine resources and conserve them for everyone's benefit.
Maine Department of Marine Resources Deputy Commissioner David M. Etnier has provided insight into the background and requirements of both new laws via a recent phone interview and emails.
He said former President Bush signed the re-authorization of the Federal Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act, which governs saltwater fishing, in 2007. Prior to that time, NOAA had done a study on the level of information the country has regarding the impact of fishing on saltwater resources. The study revealed that there was inadequate information since only reports concerning ground fishing, and not recreational fishing, were available.
Therefore, NOAA created MRIP and the federal registry. If legislators had not passed the new state law, fishermen would have had to pay for a federal license each year.
"Now the money will stay in Maine." stated Etnier.
Etnier said Maine resident anglers will pay $5.00 for a 2011 saltwater fishing license, and non-residents $15.00. However, if Maine residents purchase a 2011 freshwater Inland Fisheries and Wildlife license, they will not have to pay the additional $5.00 saltwater license fee. A $2.00 agent/transaction fee will also be charged for each license. The DMR anticipates that saltwater licenses will be available from town clerks as well as on-line next year.
"It's occurred to me that only the commercial fishermen have paid previously for DMR's search and rescue, law enforcement, fishing management, science research, inter-state and federal council work, and boating safety." stated Etnier. "It's been a free ride for the recreational folks. As the budget gets cuts, it doesn't seem fair that commercial fishermen are the only ones who pay."
He believes the new law will ensure a better financial balance between the two groups.
Etnier said the DMR will enforce the new law, focusing mainly on awareness and education during the first couple of years the law is in effect.
"We don't intend to come down on the public with a hammer." Etnier stated. "We want to give them time to learn what their responsibilities are."
Etnier wrote in an email to DMR staff recently, "To my way of thinking this presents DMR with a great opportunity to raise the profile of saltwater recreational fishing within this Department and this State and to increase and improve the services we provide to this valuable sector of this State's economy and this important component of our marine resources."
Harpswell resident Jack Dostie, owner of Big Bites, a fishing guide service in town, thinks the saltwater registry is a great idea.
"It'll improve the science of fishing and get a handle on who's fishing and where they are." stated Dostie during a recent phone conversation. "If the money is used to improve fisheries and habitat, it's well spent. It's a worthwhile cause to support."
To register with NOAA, log on to www.countmyfish.noaa.gov and click on the Angler Registry link, or call toll free #1-888-674-7411.
NOAA's Web site states, "Anglers will need to provide their name, date of birth, address and telephone number, and will receive a registration number that will allow them to begin fishing immediately. After approximately 30 days, they will receive a registration card in the mail... Reliable, universally trusted data will in turn aid anglers, fisheries managers and other stakeholders in their combined efforts to effectively and fairly set the rules that will ensure the long-term sustainability of recreational fishing."