Saltwater fishermen will be required to purchase a $10 permit starting in 2011 now that Gov. Deval Patrick has signed legislation establishing a saltwater fishing registry.
Proceeds from the licenses will benefit state marine fisheries programs that improve public access and resource management, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
“Many stakeholders have worked together to protect the state’s interests in designing this legislation,” Governor Patrick said. “I thank the legislators and recreational fishing organizations who crafted this measure and were instrumental in its passage.”
The legislation comes in light of federal regulations, passed in 2006, requiring the creation of a national recreational saltwater fishing registry. The amendement to the Magnuson-Stevens Act charged National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with creating the registry, which scientists could access to improve recreational fishing data and fisheries management.