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Developing a USVI Recreational License System and Updating the Recreational Regulations. Bob Trumble, Erika Zollett MRAG Americas. NMFS Registration Requirements.
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Developing a USVI Recreational License System and Updating the Recreational Regulations Bob Trumble, Erika Zollett MRAG Americas
NMFS Registration Requirements • NMFS Annual Registration - All persons angling, spearfishing, in possession of angling or spearfishing equipment or operating a vessel for-hire in the EEZ (or anadromous in tidal waters) • Registration effective – January 1, 2010 • Fees assessed – January 1, 2011
Exemptions • NOAA will exempt anglers from the federal registration rule if they are licensed in states/territories that have a system to provide complete information on their saltwater anglers to the national registry. • www.countmyfish.noaa.gov
Updating the recreational regulations • They are old • They don’t perform • Don’t address current issues • Consistency with federal regulations
What problems to address? • Universe of fishermen - Res, non Res • Shore-based • Private boats • Charters • Stop overfishing? • Prevent overfishing? • Habitat damage? • Allocation? • Data collection
Other Issues • Size/bag Limits • Use of SCUBA for spear fishing • Circle hooks vs. J-hooks • Sale of recreational fish • Enforcement • Seabird interactions Draft report out for FAC Review
Schedule • FAC subcommittee workshop 17-18 Oct • Develop concepts for public comments • Public hearings to present recommendations – early in new year • FAC subcommittee workshop - Spring • Revise recommendations based on public • Recommendations for full FAC • Full FAC workshop - Summer • Develop final recommendations