National Saltwater Angler Registry Opens on New Year’s Day

New program, part of improved data collection system, to help protect nation’s ocean resources

December 29, 2009

Charter vessel anglers netting a salmon.

(Credit: NOAA)

Saltwater recreational fishermen have long expressed concerns about the data used to estimate the effects of recreational fishing on ocean resources and the nation’s economy. The National Saltwater Angler Registry, which launches on Friday, will help address that concern by providing a comprehensive list of the nation’s saltwater anglers that will be used to improve surveys of fishermen. These surveys are used by NOAA scientists to assess the health of fish stocks and to estimate the economic contributions of anglers.

Many saltwater recreational fishermen will be required to register before fishing in 2010. The registry is open for registrations starting Friday, January 1. But if you have a state saltwater fishing license, you may already be part of the registry.

\”By registering, recreational anglers will make their catch count,\” said Jim Balsiger, acting NOAA assistant administrator for NOAA’s Fisheries Service. \”The National Saltwater Angler Registry is an important tool that will enable us to better estimate the health of marine fisheries so that we’re able to preserve the pastime of recreational saltwater fishing for generations to come.\”