I'm assuming all you guys have to do this?



Most Maryland Sal****er Fishermen Will Need
To Register With NOAA Beginning January 1, 2010

The Sal****er Angler Registry is part of the Improved Data Program
to help protect long-term sustainability of recreational fishing


Under a new federal law, most Maryland sal****er fishermen will be
required to register with the new National Sal****er Angler Registry
before they go fishing next year.

Beginning January 1, 2010 Maryland Sal****er Fishermen will have to
register if they:
" Fish for or catch anadromous species in tidal waters; these
are fish like striped bass, shad, or river herring 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 mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, OR
" Don't meet any of the exceptions in the law
Those exceptions include anglers under the age of 16; only fish on
licensed charter, party or guide boats; hold a Highly Migratory
Species Angling permit; or hold and are fishing under a valid
commercial license; In addition, out-of-state sal****er anglers who
are already registered with NOAA do not need to re-register to fish in
Maryland. They do however need a valid out-of-state fishing license.

Even if you possess a Maryland Bay License or are fishing in one of
the state's Free Fishing areas, sport fishermen will still need to
register with NOAA.

Registration is quick and easy and will be free in 2010. Beginning
January 1, 2010 anglers will need to log on to
www.countmyfish.noaa.gov and click on the Angler Registry link, or
call the toll-free registration line at
1-888-MRIP411 (1-888-674-4411).

Anglers will need to provide the following:
" Name
" Date of Birth
" Address
" Telephone Number
After completing the registration you will receive a registration
number that will allow you to begin fishing immediately. After
approximately 30 days, you will receive a registration card in the
mail.

The Angler Registry is an important tool that will help fishermen and
policy makers work together to better account for the contributions
and impacts of sal****er anglers on ocean ecosystems and coastal
economies. It 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. Reliable, universally trusted
data will int turn 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 visit www.countmyfish.noaa.gov or call the MSSA
office at 410-255-5535


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John H