Rockfish, Flounder stamps?

[Sea Gristle]

Given the complexity of effectively managing fisheries and/or fish stocks (depending on your POV) AND setting aside for a moment the argument against additional taxation or later misappropriation of funds earmarked for the original pupose:

Would an additional Rockfish or Flounder stamp (similar to the current freshwater trout stamp - no stamp, no posession) be a helpful tool in determining a rockfish a rec TAC (Total Allowable Catch)?

Would it be better than or enhance MRFSS data ( survey ) in clarifying how many saltwater anglers target Rockfish x legal daily possesion limit x average # trips = TAC.

I'd be surprised if this hadn't been considered by the VMRC in the past, does anybody know? Also, does VDIF use trout stamp data ( and fees) to help calculate hatchery and stocking programs?

I see two problems, charters and determining annual # of fishing trips per species (would still require some sort of survey average/'guesstimate').

I'm not advocating this - TFers (especially this board) are especially good at pointing out many ideas and alternate opinions I hadn't considered. I'd apprecate your thoughts if you have some you'd like to share.

[Matt]

Everyone should report landings and effort. Short of that we'll still be guessing. An alternnative would be tags for everyone. While the fishery is strong, people could buy extra tags.

[saltfly]

Well from my experience and from seeing past spending by state gov.s I'm not for any more stamps of any kind. Delaware is thinking about a saltwater license. Most fishermen are for it. their not for it for the right reasons though. most are just pissed off because other states charge them to fish in saltwater and Delaware lets you fish for nothing. I tell them this. If a bill is passed for a saltwater license, it should only be pass with provision that say. The money can only be used for saltwater DNR proposes. none of the money, can go into the states general fund and if any is taken for any other reason. The license fee stops. This would also include, interest on any money that is not used in the short term.