[Bart_Man]

It seems that the Feds have found another way to squeeze a nickel out of the RECREATIONAL fisherman. I'm assuming... based on the article that every individual, fishing for Rocks or out past 3 miles, will need to cough up some additional coin next year... On top of local license (and presumably) HMS fee's...... Of course the money and the data will be used to improve the recreational fishery..

How come no one hear's about this stuff until its a done deal?

NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - NOAA to Create Saltwater Angler Registry in 2010

 

[Capt Nemo]

I believe the Virginia fishing license will meet the new federal requirements. It does look like we will need to give some info on the locations we fish to meet the NOAA requirements. They will probably add the additional requirements to the state license applications.

Beginning January 2009, NOAA will exempt anglers from the federal registration rule if they are licensed in states that have a system to provide complete information on their saltwater anglers to the national registry.
"NOAA wants to work closely with the states and anglers to better capture the contributions and effects of sportfishing," said Balsiger. "We expect that this additional year will allow a number of states to put in place systems to register their anglers annually and provide this information to NOAA."

 

[Tom Powers]

There have been meetings at VMRC regarding this. The Virginia Fishing License will NOT meet the new federal requirements. Three MAJOR changes will have to take place for that to happen.

1. No more boat license.

2. No more fishing from private property without a license.

3. The state will have to figure out a way to capture the current addresses phone numbers of folks that are (a) over 65 and (b) have lifetime licenses.

The other option is a Fishermen Information Number system (FIN). This will take MONEY, probably $500,000 to $600,000 the first year and $300,000 to $500,000 each year thereafter. With the state budget in the shape that it is in I doubt that this will happen. Anyway, this also would require legislative action.

With no changes in the current sections of State Code (takes a legislative action, and the date for introducing bills is rapidly approaching) we will have to be registered (for free) in 2010. If nothing is done this year or next in the state legislature we will have to pay the federal fee of $15 to $25 per person starting 2011.

 

[Bart_Man]

Capt N, I saw that but, I couldn't figure out if Va met the requirement.

 

[Bob Allen]

The old system that NMFS used to collect recreational fishing data (afer much complaining from recreationals) was deemed to be inadequate. So this new program has been instituted. The big problem is that MRFSS uses to sources to collect data ataht is fed into their computer programs: 1). A telephone survey to determine EFFORT. 2) Dockside surveys to determine what the angers are chatching.

NMFS , in an effort to improve their computer models that determine what recreationals catch from year to year, will stop random telphone dialing of all coastal commuitites and rely on the new MRIP program (Marine Recreational INformation Program9==or simply the , now-being-compiled, telephone book listing of recreational angers , so the measure of effort can be directed at persons who actually fish recreationally, rather than randomly calling numbers of anyone who has a telephone(most who are not fishermen).

And by the way...the NMFS has now moved the implimention date for the MRIP telephone book another year to 2010...

The other half of MRFSS colletion method: the dockside surveys, always questioned, have come under increased scrutiny as there are reports that fraud has been perpetuated by the surveyors employed by the subcontractor of NMFS. From what I understand much time was spent at the last Mid Atlantic Council meeting discussing rumors of surveyors reporting catch data to Macro INC , when in fact they never went to the dockside (assigned site for the survey).

The new MRIP was expected to restore confidence in the MRFSS (by recreational anglers). There is no way that correcting half the problem will solve the entire (whole) problem.

NMFS must to go back to the drawing board to correct the dockside intercept problems.

Bob Allen PSWSFA VCAC

 

[rlcharters]

I called VMRC yesterday to check on boat licenses for 2009. The woman that answered the phone knew nothing of Virginia eliminating the boat license (obviously it will continue through 2009). Does it appear that Virginia will eliminate the boat license to meet NOAA's program?

 

[Tom Powers]

Rlcharters. . .

Read my post above regarding what VA has to do in order for us to avoid having to pay $15 to $20 per fisherman to the federal program in 2011. That information is based on (1) meetings held at VMRC about 6 months ago and (2) the currently federal rule which I can post if you really want.

My understanding is that VMRC has no legislation requests in place to address this. There was discussion regarding the FIN program and putting enabling legislation in place, but it seems to have gotten killed because of state budget issues.

The boat licenses will continue to exist UNTIL something is approved by the legislature.

Even then they will have to figure out a way to deal with boat licenses that have already been purchased. Because there is no legislation on the table nothing is known about this either.

Tom

 

[KenG]

What a pile of $$hi, what about the people who have an opportunity to fish ones a year! So much for taking someone at the last minute

 

[BUDC]

A voice from the past. A restatement from months ago. . oke1:

SOONER OR LATER YOU WILL PAY BOTH FOR LICENSES OR PERMITS.

No need to get your panties in a wad.:nono: Don't Worry, Be Happy.

Just get used to it......and pay and pay and pay and pay...............:yawn:
budc

 

[Tom Powers]

KenG

I am pretty sure that any system that is done will most certainly make use of some type of internet purchase system and most probably some type of 800 number system.


BUDC We won't have to pay twice if the state legislature deals with this by the end of the 2010 session.

 

[BUDC]

Tom,
Even if the states do meet the requirements, sooner or later both are going to milk this cow. Especially with the added costs of enforcement ie: the justification to require Fed license fees. With the economic situation, no resource of assessment will go untapped very long, more especially recreational items.
Should serious cuts be made in things like foriegn aid, aid to aliens, unjustified welfare, and other pure waste programs, I will retract my statement.
Until then; "That's my story and I'm stick'en to it."
I hope you are correct -- forever, but I have little faith.
budc