Why Do Lobster Report Cards Require a Fee?

October 9, 2008

Question: Why are we being charged $7.90 for the lobster report cards to gather information for the government? And why is the report card not good for a full year like the fishing license? (Ray C.)

Answer:The report card is good for a calendar year just like the fishing license. However, since there was late implementation on this first card, the 2008 card is only good through Dec. 31, 2008. Next year’s card is good for the entire 2009 year.

We’re not making money on the report card. We’re paying for printing, distribution and administration costs (including entering the return card data). We’re trying to determine how many recreational lobster fishermen there really are and how successful they are. If we can’t answer basic questions like this, California anglers may be forced to purchase the federal fishing license in the future.