Why Do I Have To Register With the Federal Government to Fish?

June 26, 2008

Question: I heard this past week that NOAA Fisheries Service is planning to require anglers who want to fish in federal waters to now sign up on their federal registry, too. I already have my lifetime California fishing license and have to ask why I may need to now register with the federal government also? Isn’t all of this just double-dipping to generate more money? (Joe A. via e-mail)

Answer: The federal registry requirements for exemption involve information that may not be available at this time. DFG is currently reviewing whether or not the information available about California anglers is sufficient to meet the federal criteria. At this time, it does not appear so. However, NOAA Fisheries is soliciting comments on the regulation at this time and we encourage California anglers to make their voice heard in this public process. To comment, please contact NOAA Fisheries by August 11, 2008 at http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=SubmitComment&o=0900006480620f04.