national saltwater angler registry

i don't know if i did this or not, but as of the first of this year, all recreational fishermen (in my area) must register with the new national saltwater angler registry. the registry is part of the marine recreational information program and is administered by noaa fisheries service to collect and distribute data on all things related to fishing and fishermen, both nationally and locally. the information collected through angler surveys will aid policy makers and government officials in making-or not making-decisions concerning the health of the chesapeake bay...specifically, fishing creel amounts, recreational areas, reserve and preserve locations, as well as data about the amounts and types of fish and fishermen. its the law and i hate breaking the law, so i guess i will do it.

marine recreational information program

State officials say all Maryland recreational anglers must register with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration before fishing in 2010.

The requirement is part of a federal initiative to help ensure the long-term sustainability of America's fisheries.

Although the survey is focused on saltwater species, some ocean fish travel between salt and fresh waters, so anyone fishing in the Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries and coastal waters must register.

Anglers must provide their name, birth date, address, telephone number and the regions they plan to fish. Registration information is available online athttp://www.countmyfish.noaa.gov.

State officials say they expect to make the annual registration part of the Maryland fishing license application process starting in 2011.