Attention All Fishermen!

[J's Dream]

Guys,

Our friend the federal government has proposed a new requirement for us, and it WILL affect practically ALL of us here in the states. NOAA Fisheries is looking for public comment, good or bad, on this until August 11th. The link is at the bottom of my post. The whole link is very informative, and on the right column is where you can make your comments.

The proposal, which will go into effect January 1, 2009, is a National Angler Registry, requiring you to provide your name, address, telephone number, and area fished to NOAA Fisheries. The first two years there will be no cost. Starting in 2011, it will be $15 to $25 per person per year, unless their state is exempt.

There are ways for individual states to become exempt however, it is difficult for them to do so. Florida, for one, has not made any effort to become exempt. For FL to be exempt, they would have to license ALL saltwater anglers, including those from shore...even seniors! FL legislature has turned down bills like that in the past, so it's not looking so good for us to become exempt.

www.countmyfish.noaa.gov

For you guys in Florida who are avid bottom fishermen, PM me. There are some things going on here in the state you may want to be aware of.

Jason

 

[thoward]

While having to pay another tax sucks, the registry will allow for better collection of data. The data now used by the gov is flawed and is causing serious issues with fisheries management. Hopefully Florida will get the exemption but the registry will be helpful if used properly(I have my doubts).....

 

[Passages]

I respectfully disagree.

It's a revenue generating tax on the recreational fisherman. The harvest taken by the non-pros pales in comparision to what is taken commercially. The wasted by-catch that returned to the sea (usually dead) can be devastating to the local eco-system. My familys weekend pulling of a flounder or striped bass is of no real consequence.

I've long felt that when the states or Fed begins stocking the ocean with game fish, then they will be deserving of revenue.