By Liz King
Staff Writer
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PLUM ISLAND — Locals are enjoying the start of an early season for fishing, but most anglers' understanding of a new federal law requiring saltwater recreational fishermen to register with the federal government for the first time is tangled, at best.
Under rules set forth by the The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, anglers across the country must register for a permit this year in order to do any saltwater fishing. Previously, there was no license or permit required for saltwater fishing in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
"The goal is to gather some information about recreational fisheries — to make sure there's good statistics about what's being caught and where, and to help better manage the fisheries for the future," said Catherine Williams, a spokesman for MassWildlife.
Registering online this year is free, but next year's proposed federal fee is between $15 and $25. However, states may develop their own licensing and fee system in lieu of the federal program. Williams said the state will charge $10 for permits next year.
Newburyport Harbormaster Paul Hogg has been handing out Saltwater Recreational Fishing Guides and directing people to the National Saltwater Angler Registry website, countmyfish.noaa.gov, as many people have come in saying they are confused about the new law, if they've even heard about it at all.
"It's kind of new to everyone," Hogg said.
Under changes made to the federal Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, which regulates much of the saltwater fishing industry, those fishing in tidal waters for anadromous fish — fish that migrate from salt water to fresh water to spawn like striped bass and salmon — have to register with the National Marine Fisheries Service. People fishing on commercial vessels like tour boats and anglers under age 16 are exempt.
Registering is a relatively simple process — you are asked your name, address, date of birth, current home or cell telephone number and region you plan on fishing in. The phone number may be used for surveys to better gauge the recreational catch.
Michael Hogg, owner of Crossroads Bait and Tackle, said a lot of customers aren't even aware that they need to register to fish. Those who are aware have many gripes with the requirement — and are expecting the cost to rise year to year, he said.
"Most people are not too happy about it," he said. "It's getting so expensive already to fish — between the ethanol put in fuel, taxes and fees, it's getting tougher and tougher."
States can become exempt from the requirements by implementing their own registry, essentially a state fishing license. Massachusetts recently enacted a state law that enables Marine Fisheries to implement a permitting program for 2011 and beyond that will exempt the state's saltwater recreational anglers from the federal registry.
State officials have discussed some level of reciprocation with neighboring states so people in border areas like Newburyport don't need separate licenses should they drift into New Hampshire waters.
Michael Hogg said he believes that either way, paying for state permits or registering federally will hurt the business "big time."
"It might make sense to pay $30 for a license in Florida, where you can fish all year round," he said. "Around here, you only get four to five months of fishing."
The state's Environmental Police are responsible for enforcing state marine fisheries laws as well as some federal fisheries enforcements, Williams said. However, enforcement policies are still being developed.
Though the requirement to register was enacted at the beginning of the year, NOAA has not yet determined a penalty for not registering, Williams said. She said if there are fines or other penalties, the Environmental Police and Coast Guard would be enforcing those penalties.
Paul Hogg said he understands the need to charge for freshwater fishing permits, as there is more upkeep involved, like restocking the waters with trout, but he is unsure of the need to charge for saltwater fishing.
Fees collected by the National Saltwater Angler Registry will go to the federal treasury, according to the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game Web site. They will not be designated for any specific purpose.
Williams said the money collected from state permits next year could be used to increase access to saltwater fishing, like installing new boat ramps, parking, or new paths, docks or piers. Another portion, she said, would be used for research on recreational fisheries. Some money will go toward creating a database to track recreational saltwater catches.
Michael Hogg said for regular fishermen, they will have to oblige and buy the permit, but for people who do it for recreation, they may opt to not bother.
"For a family of four who goes one or two weekends the entire year on vacation, it's going to be $15 per license, adding $60 to their trip, on top of the regular cost of fishing, boat, getting into the campsite, etc.," Hogg said. "That's who it's really going to effect — the guy that only goes out a few times a year."
For now, fishermen can get a head start, with their free registration in hand, as Michael Hogg said the striper season is heating up.
"I've already seen a bunch of keepers," he said. "We got our first over 40-inch fish in on Friday morning."
To register, visit www.countmyfish.noaa.gov or call 888.MRIP.411 (888.674.7411).
How to register
Anglers can register for a federal permit online at www.countmyfish.noaa.gov
