Re: Outraged over the new National Saltwater Angler Register
jdsmith said:
I just happened across an article in the february 2010 issue of Woods and Water (Page 39) and read about this registry. Someone tell me that I am misunderstanding what I just read. A government registry that will cost each and every saltwater angler about $25.00 beginning in 2011. Is this insane or what? Where is the opposition? I was not opposed to the saltwater fishing license but I see absolutely no benefit to anyone having to pay this rediculous fee. Someone please tell me that there is a positive reason for this fee.
Relax, at least a little.
Virginia will likely make two changes in the saltwater license process:
1) collect telephone numbers with current licensing
2) drop the "boat license"
This will allow Virginia to come into compliance with the Federal requirement to build a "phone book" (i.e. database) of the folks who actually fish. Virginia will license everyone, and provide the required info to the Feds. This is currently done by North Carolina, and several other states, and their license holders are not required to register on the National Angler Registry.
If Virginia does not make these changes, then VA anglers will have to pay to register on the National Angler Registry, and all that money goes to the Feds - none to Virginia. So, there is sufficient reason for Virginia to make the changes.
Brian