According to Russ Dodge, the REmindER’s outdoor columnist, it’s probable that virtually anyone fishing in salt water will need to register.
“There are not any New Jersey tidal waters that do not have anadromous (or catadromous) fish, thus anyone who fishes where there are such species, must be registered with the feds.”
An anadromous fish, explains Dodge, is one that is born in fresh water, but lives its life in salt water; although many live in brackish water, and some move back and forth (especially striped bass).
“Fish in this category in New Jersey waters include striped bass, white perch, shad, herring, and Atlantic and short-nose sturgeon. Other anadromous fish include salmon, and many trout which live in rivers and creeks that flow into the sea.”
The Saltwater Angler Registry is part of an updated data program designed to help protect the long-term sustainability of recreational fishing.
New Jersey anglers must register if they:
• Fish for or catch anadromous species in tidal and salt waters; these are fish like river herring, shad or striped bass that live in the oceans but spawn in fresh water, OR
• Fish in federal waters more than three miles from the ocean shore or from the mouths of rivers or bays, OR
• Don't meet any of the exceptions in the law.
Those exceptions include anglers who:
• are under the age of 16.
• have a currently valid saltwater license from another state whose license meets the criteria of the Angler Registry.
• already registered with NOAA in 2010 to fish saltwater in another state.
• only fish on vessels that are holders of for-hire (or charter boat and party boat) permits issued by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Fisheries.
• hold a Highly Migratory Species Angling permit.
• are fishing commercially under a valid license.
Registration is said to be quick and easy and is free this year. Anglers simply log onto CountMyFish.noaa.gov and click on the Angler Registry link, or call the toll-free registration line at 1-888-674-7411.
Anglers will receive a registration number that will allow them to begin fishing immediately. After approximately 30 days, they will receive a registration card in the mail. Registration is valid for one year from the date of registration.
Anglers who do not meet any of the exceptions in the law must register annually, and it’s possible that next year there will be a fee for registering, although N.J. State Sen. Jeff Van Drew is spearheading efforts to preclude a registration fee.
The registry is part of a national overhaul of the way NOAA collects and reports recreational fishing data.
The goal of the initiative—known as the Marine Recreational Information Program, or MRIP—is to provide the most accurate information possible that can be used to determine the health of fish stocks.
According to government officials, reliable, universally trusted data will aid anglers, fisheries managers and other stakeholders in their combined efforts to effectively and fairly set the rules that will ensure the long-term sustainability of recreational fishing.
For more information, see the website.
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