fed fishing license????

[reel action]

http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/p...=2008806120390

[tsquared]

I wonder if this will eventually replace the rec HMS permit?

[captcl]

Here I go;
1.With a fed permit this would possibly increase pressure(from some groups) to open up the EEZ for stripers, IMO not good

2. IF, all anglers who got a permit this one or existing ones
would honestly fill out a catch report(should be required by law) the database would already be better! Charters and Comms do but recs? (I'm not rec bashing here) you have the time, you log in your wpts. on the machine and spend time here commenting so you have time to fill out a catch report.

3. There are so many parts to the Fed managment system already,(at least for charters and comms) I don't think it will simplify anything. They will just start a new "recreational" division then some of the rec anglers will complain that they are being singled out. Not so but it could happen.

4. Why not just broaden the HMS angling catagory to cover the additional speices? Or require catch reports fish or skunk!

5. It sounds to me like the feds want the states the to really impliment and operate this thing IMO. NJ,DEL, MD. & VA already have good agencies(although understaffed and under funded) again IMO, where is the additional staff and $$$ coming from?

Charter / commercial lisc holders have to file catch reports whether we fish or not. It takes $$, manpower and angler cooperation to assemble, maintain and keeep a datbase updated. The cost in $$ and manhours has to go up if you expand. I'm all for good data collection (optmum use protection of resources)and I get updates from NOAA online but I suspect they are not able to handle / process / receive all the input or are getting it all.IMO anyone who wets a line in saltwater should should be required to carry / submit a log catch report. You can lie about your catch here just play it straight on your report! Hope I did'nt get tooooo many people's shorts in a knot with my rant! Catch em, release em or eat em!

PS, got an application this week for the American Littoral Soc. for tagging but sometimes reports are used agianst anglers(the PEW group) so you have to watch who you are feeding info to!

[zyg56]

NOAA issued the press release yesterday containing information about the developing Marine Recreational Marine Program and the Saltwater Anglers Registry which will affect anyone fishing recreationally in federal waters (3-200 miles offshore) or by those who may catch anadromous species such as striped bass, salmon, and shad beginning in 2009.

You can also get more information at the updated website. http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/mrip/

NOAA Fisheries is seeking public comment on the proposed rule through August 11, 2008. Comments should refer to identifier: RIN 0648-AW10.

[captcl]

Thanks for the link zyg56. Let's hope it is successfull and productive when it's launched!