NOAA to Create Saltwater Angler Registry in 2010
December 29, 2008
Final rule gives states more time to implement local data gathering
NOAA’s Fisheries Service released its final rule today to create a national saltwater angler registry of all marine recreational fishermen to help the nation better protect our shared marine resources. A requirement to establish a registry was included in a statute approved by Congress in 2007.
“Better national surveys of the nearly 15 million saltwater anglers will help us demonstrate the important contributions of recreational anglers to both local economies and to the nation’s,” said Jim Balsiger, NOAA acting assistant administrator for NOAA’s Fisheries Service. “The registry will help us gather comprehensive data to ensure sustainable fisheries built on the best available science.”
The improved quality of recreational fishing data achieved through a national saltwater angler registry will help demonstrate the economic value of saltwater recreational fishing, and will provide a more complete picture of how recreational fishing is affecting fish stocks. This kind of information is essential to NOAA’s goal to end overfishing as required under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. All recreational anglers who fish in federal waters will be required to participate, with some exemptions for those already registered in their states.
The registry is the product of a major recommendation to NOAA in a 2006 independent scientific review by the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences. The NRC found that NOAA needed a comprehensive list of everyone who fishes recreationally in marine waters to improve surveys of saltwater anglers used to help manage and rebuild fish stocks. The NRC recommendation became law in 2007 with the reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the primary federal law that enables NOAA to manage ocean fish stocks.
The final rule requires anglers and spearfishers who fish recreationally in federal ocean waters to be included in the national saltwater angler registry by Jan. 1, 2010.
Beginning January 2009, NOAA will exempt anglers from the federal registration rule if they are licensed in states that have a system to provide complete information on their saltwater anglers to the national registry.
“NOAA wants to work closely with the states and anglers to better capture the contributions and effects of sportfishing,” said Balsiger. “We expect that this additional year will allow a number of states to put in place systems to register their anglers annually and provide this information to NOAA.”
NOAA had originally proposed that registration be required beginning Jan. 1, 2009, but based on public input decided to give states another year to put in place their own data collection systems.
If anglers are not licensed or registered by a state that has been exempted and want to fish in federal waters, they will be required to register with NOAA. They must also register if they fish in tidal waters for migratory fish such as striped bass and salmon that spawn in rivers and spend their adult lives in estuaries and oceans. However, those who fish recreationally for these migratory species inland of tidal waters need not register, according to the final rule.
Federal saltwater angler registrations will include an angler’s name, date of birth, address, telephone number, and the regions where they intend to fish. This information will be used by NOAA to conduct surveys on fishing effort and amounts of fish caught. Once anglers have registered, they may fish anywhere in U.S. federal waters, or in tidal waters for anadromous species, regardless of the region or regions they specified in their registration. The registration will be valid for one year from its date of issue. Anglers must comply with applicable state licensing requirements when fishing in state waters.
Saltwater anglers will be able to register online or by calling a toll-free telephone number that will be publicized, and will receive a registration certificate. Anglers will need to carry this certificate (or their state license from an exempt state) and produce it to an authorized enforcement officer if requested. No fee will be charged in 2010. An estimated fee of $15 to $25 per angler will be charged starting in 2011.
Anglers who fish only on licensed party, charter, or guide boats would not be required to register with NOAA since these vessels are surveyed separately from angler surveys. Those who hold angler permits to fish for highly migratory species, such as tunas or swordfish, and those fishing under commercial fishing licenses will also be exempt. Anglers registered or permitted to fish in a formal state or federal subsistence fishery will also be exempt, as will anglers under 16.
NOAA received nearly 500 comments from anglers, state officials, and fishing and environmental organizations on its proposed national registry rule during the comment period from June 12 until Aug. 21. The registry is one component of the agency’s new Marine Recreational Information Program, an initiative to enhance data collection on recreational catch and effort.
To read the final registry rule and other information about the Marine Recreational Information Program, go to: http://www.countmyfish.noaa.gov
NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources. Visit http://www.noaa.gov.
On the Web:
NOAA’s Fisheries Service: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov
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A DFG Holiday Tradition - Rainbow Trout Stocked in California Waters
December 23, 2008
In a holiday tradition beloved by anglers of all ages, the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is planting rainbow trout across California this month. The fish are being planted in urban, suburban and rural areas.
“The holiday season provides an opportunity for Californians to spend quality time outdoors fishing with their families,” said DFG South Coast Region Senior Biologist Dwayne Maxwell. “We are pleased to provide anglers with exceptional opportunities to catch rainbow trout at lakes, reservoirs and streams throughout the region from Santa Barbara through San Diego counties.”
In DFG’s South Coast Region, DFG trout hatcheries will stock approximately 69,900 pounds of catchable size rainbow trout for holiday anglers this month in the following waters:
| County | Lake | Pounds |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Barbara | Cachuma Lake | 6,300 |
| Ventura | Lake Casitas | 4,000 |
| Ventura | Piru Lake | 7,200 |
| Ventura | Rancho Simi Park Lake | 600 |
| Los Angeles | Alondra Park | 900 |
| Los Angeles | Belvedere Lake | 800 |
| Los Angeles | Castaic Lagoon | 9,200 |
| Los Angeles | Castaic Lake | 5,400 |
| Los Angeles | Cerritos Lake | 400 |
| Los Angeles | Downey Lake | 1,350 |
| Los Angeles | Echo Park Lake | 1,300 |
| Los Angeles | El Dorado Park Lake | 3,500 |
| Los Angeles | Hansen Lake | 1,100 |
| Los Angeles | Hollenbeck Park Lake | 200 |
| Los Angeles | Kenneth Hahn Lake | 800 |
| Los Angeles | La Mirada Lake | 800 |
| Los Angeles | Legg Lakes | 2,700 |
| Los Angeles | Lincoln Park Lake | 1,000 |
| Los Angeles | Magic Johnson Lake | 1,000 |
| Los Angeles | Peck Road Lake | 1,200 |
| Los Angeles | Puddingstone Lake | 3,000 |
| Los Angeles | Pyramid Lake | 3,600 |
| Los Angeles | Santa Fe Reservoir | 1,800 |
| Orange | Carr Park Lake | 200 |
| Orange | Centennial Lake | 900 |
| Orange | Eisenhower Park Lake | 200 |
| Orange | Greer Park Lake | 200 |
| Orange | Huntington Park Lake | 200 |
| Orange | Laguna Lake | 400 |
| Orange | Mile Square Park Lake | 500 |
| Orange | Ralph Clark Regional Park Lake | 500 |
| Orange | Tri-City Lake | 750 |
| Orange | Yorba Linda Regional Park Lake | 500 |
| San Diego | Chollas Park Lake | 500 |
| San Diego | Cuyamaca Lake | 2,600 |
| San Diego | Lindo Lake | 200 |
| San Diego | Lower Otay Lake | 700 |
| San Diego | Morena Lake | 1,600 |
| San Diego | Murray Lake | 1,800 |
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In 2008, the South Coast Region will plant 819,200 catchable-sized rainbow trout (approximately eight to 12 inches in length) along with 43,000 one-pound trout and 25,000 fingerling trout in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. Overall, DFG hatcheries will plant roughly seven million rainbow trout in 2009.
To purchase a 2009 fishing license as a holiday gift, please use DFG’s license agent search engine at http://dfginternal5.dfg.ca.gov/lasweb/.
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Fishing Opportunities Remain For Northern California Anglers
December 23, 2008
The holiday season is a good time for anglers of all ages to take advantage of fishing opportunities in Northern California. There are many lakes and reservoirs that remain open to fishing, and a portion of the Upper Sacramento River is open all year to provide opportunities for stream anglers.
“The Department of Fish and Game is pleased to provide anglers with opportunities to catch rainbow trout at lakes and reservoirs near their homes,” said DFG Northern Region Senior Hatchery Supervisor Linda Radford. “Although the fishing opportunities are available, it is advised to be well-prepared for winter storms and to dress accordingly. Northern California can experience extreme cold weather, so checking the weather forecasts and winter advisories is also recommended.”
Please refer to the 2008-2009 Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations for details regarding open seasons, gear restrictions and bag limits.
To purchase a 2009 fishing license as a holiday gift, please use DFG’s license agent search engine at http://dfginternal5.dfg.ca.gov/lasweb/.
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There is No Such Thing as 100-Percent Safe Ice
December 9, 2008
I’m not sure whether I fall into the majority or minority on this issue, but literally speaking, I flat out don’t like ice over water.
The only two places I like ice are at the bottom of my drinking glass or at the hockey rink - you never hear of a hockey player falling through the ice. We’ve all heard that popping and cracking sound that ice makes when you walk on it. If you’re like me that sound makes you cringe. Whether ice fishing myself or walking out on shelf ice to check a license, I’ve never truly felt safe on ice.
On a recent patrol along the Salmon River, I noticed ice starting to build at the slow-moving stretch of Deadwater. As I continued my patrol down the river my thoughts turned to how an area recently over-flowing with hunters and anglers will get a break from the action for the next couple of months.
But I’ve become accustomed to seeing anglers who have the fishing bug no matter what the time of year. I know that I can always find a few hardy souls willing to venture out onto the shore ice for steelhead or ice fishing out on Williams Lake for a limit of rainbow trout.
So when is ice safe? Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources Website offers the following: “There really is no sure answer. You can’t judge the strength of ice just by its appearance, age, thickness, temperature, or whether or not the ice is covered with snow. Strength is based on all these factors - plus the depth of water under the ice, size of the water body, water chemistry and currents, the distribution of the load on the ice, and local climatic conditions.”
Experts recommend a minimum of 4-inch thick ice for walking. Ice safety guidelines also recommend a minimum of 5 inches of new, clear ice for snowmobiles, and 8 to 12 inches for a small-to medium-sized automobile, pickup or SUV.
Here are some additional facts I found on Minnesota’s DNR website about ice safety:
- New ice is usually stronger than old ice. Four inches of clear, newly formed ice may support one person on foot, while a foot or more of old, partially thawed ice may not.
- ce seldom freezes uniformly. It may be a foot thick in one location and only an inch or two just a few feet away.
- Ice formed over flowing water and currents is often dangerous. This is especially true near streams, bridges and culverts. Also, the ice on outside river bends is usually weaker due to the undermining effects of the faster current.
- The insulating effect of snow slows down the freezing process. The extra weight also reduces how much weight the ice sheet can support. Also, ice near shore can be weaker than ice that is farther out.
- Â Booming and cracking ice isn’t necessarily dangerous. It only means that the ice is expanding and contracting as the temperature changes.
Every winter I check or hear of someone fishing on the river that fell through the shelf-ice. The outcomes of these incidents vary, but all are serious and potentially life threatening. Speaking from experience, I can say that in addition to extremely cold and shocking, it is a very scary experience.
I would urge anyone who plans on spending time out on the ice to research measures you can take to ensure survival of yourself or someone else falling through the ice. Remember how important it is to recognize signs of unsafe ice, and stay safe while venturing out this winter.
Matt Sheppard is the senior conservation officer in the Salmon Region.
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Special Regulations For Smallmouth Bass Limited To Mississippi River Between St. Cloud and Crow River
December 5, 2008
An experimental regulation credited with turning the Mississippi River between St. Cloud and Anoka County into a world-class smallmouth bass fishery will become permanent but will not be expanded to a 15-mile stretch of the Mississippi between the Crow River and Coon Rapids dam, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced.
Statewide, anglers may keep six smallmouths with no size restrictions. The new special regulation, which limits anglers to three fish and requires the immediate release of all smallmouth bass from 12-to 20-inches in length, will apply to a 45-mile stretch of the Mississippi between the St. Cloud dam and the mouth of the Crow River, including tributaries up to the first road crossing or dam. Only one fish longer than 20 inches will be allowed.
Prior to 1990, when an experimental smallmouth regulation was implemented between Clearwater and Elk River, small fish dominated the river, with very few larger than 16 inches. In 1999, the experimental portion of the river was extended up to the St. Cloud dam and down to the confluence with the Crow River. The opportunity to catch quality-sized fish improved significantly since implementing the regulations, and the river has achieved a national reputation among smallmouth anglers.
A 2001-2002 radio telemetry study that showed smallmouth regularly migrating from the regulated to the unregulated stretch of the river led DNR fisheries staff earlier this year to propose applying the harvest restrictions to the entire pool between the St. Cloud and Coon Rapids dams. A 2007 creel survey also indicated that many anglers were in favor of extending the regulation to the Coon Rapids dam. But that proposal was met with strong local opposition, prompting the DNR to exclude that 15-mile section of river from the new regulations.
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Sit On A Bucket Over Ice? Nice.
December 3, 2008
MADISON – It’s not everybody’s idea of fun, but it fits the bill perfectly for nearly half a million Wisconsin adults every winter.
In a new video available on the Department of Natural Resources Web site “Ice Fishing: My Kind of Fun,” an angler fishing one of the popular Madison area lakes explains his enjoyment of the sport.
In 2006, the most recent year for which statistics are available, anglers spent 11 million hours sitting on an overturned bucket or shacked up in an ice shanty, waiting for a red flag to fly.
They caught 14 million fish and kept just under half of them, according to a statewide mail survey of anglers the DNR conducted in 2006.
In winter, as in summer, panfish rule, says Brian Weigel, the Department of Natural Resources fisheries research scientist who analyzed the survey responses. “A quick check of the numbers shows panfish, panfish, panfish by far.”
Anglers caught about 11.7 million panfish during the ice fishing season and kept a higher proportion of them, nearly half, than in the open water season. The same pattern held true for walleye, northern pike and bass, Weigel says.
More information on ice fishing and fishing conditions to help the veteran angler as well as the novice can be found on DNR’s ice fishing pages.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE FISH SURVEY CONTACT: Brian Weigel - (608) 221-6326
10 tips for staying safe while ice fishing
First or early ice may promise the most fishing success, but it can also pose the greatest risk if anglers aren’t careful, recreation safety officials say.
“Ice is always unpredictable, and that’s particularly true early in the ice fishing season,” says Gary Eddy, the Department of Natural Resources conservation warden who administers the snowmobile and ATV safety programs.
State conservation wardens caution that ice is never viewed as safe, but general guidelines suggest at least 4 inches of clear ice is necessary before someone walks on a frozen waterbody; at least 6 inches before driving a snowmobile across ice, and 8 to 10 inches before traveling in cars or light duty trucks. “Those guidelines are only if the ice is real solid and clear,” Eddy says.
He offers these other tips for staying safe:
-
Do not go out alone, carry a cell phone, and let people know where you are going and when you’ll return home.
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Wear proper clothing and equipment, including a float coat to help you stay afloat and to help slow body heat loss; take extra mittens or gloves so you always have a dry pair.
- Wear creepers attached to boots to prevent slipping on clear ice.
- Carry a spud bar to check the ice while walking to new areas.
- Carry a couple of spikes and a length of light rope in an easily accessible pocket to help pull yourself – or others – out of the ice.
- Do not travel in unfamiliar areas or at night.
- Know if the lake has inlets, outlets or narrows that have current that can thin the ice.
- Look for clear ice. Clear ice is generally stronger than ice with air bubbles in it or with snow on it.
- Watch out for pressure ridges or ice heaves. These can be dangerous due to thin ice or may be an obstruction you may hit with a car, truck or snowmobile.
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License Structure Change for Anglers and Small Game Hunters in Colorado
November 24, 2008
The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) would like to remind anglers and small game hunters that the license structure for fishing and small game hunting has changed.
Beginning April 1, 2009, all annual licenses including fishing, senior fishing, small game, furbearer, combination fishing and hunting, Colorado waterfowl stamps, habitat stamps and walk-in access permits are valid from April 1 through March 31 of the following year.
“Annual licenses will no longer expire on January 1,” said Henrietta Turner, DOW licensing manager. “We’ve changed the calendar-based system to a season-year format, so licenses coincide better with our small game seasons.”
All licenses purchased in 2008 will remain valid through March 31, 2009. Â
Anglers should continue using the 2008 Colorado Fishing Regulations brochure through March 2009. The 2009 Colorado Fishing Regulation brochure will be available mid-to-late March at all DOW offices and license agents statewide. The new brochure will be valid until March 31, 2010, coinciding with the new license structure.
All 2009 annual fishing, small game, furbearer and combination licenses will be available for purchase beginning on December 15. These licenses will remain valid through March 31, 2010.
Licenses make great holiday gifts and are available on the DOW Web site (www.wildlife.state.co.us), at license agents or by calling: 1-800-244-5613.
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South Carolina DNR Stocks Trout by Helicopter in Lower Saluda River
November 24, 2008
The S.C. Department of Natural Resources’ Freshwater Fisheries Section stocked about 17,000 brown and rainbow trout in the Lower Saluda River Nov. 19 using a helicopter and specialized lift bucket. The stocking benefits South Carolina’s $18 million trout fishery.
This year’s trout stocking is a cooperative effort between DNR and the State Law Enforcement Division with SLED providing the pilots and helicopter for the aerial stocking.
Helicopter stocking allows the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to better distribute trout up and down the river system and prevents the concentration of fish in any particular area. This will allow the fish more time to acclimate and disperse before anglers begin trying to catch them. The SLED aircraft also allows the DNR to be more selective in the type of habitat where the fish are stocked.
The helicopter stocked brown trout (averaging about 6 inches) and rainbow trout (averaging about 9-10 inches) over some 9 miles of the Saluda River. The trout came from the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery in Oconee County, operated by the DNR. The trout are transported by truck to a site near the river. The fish are kept in water and transferred to the lift bucket attached to the helicopter. The chopper then pulls away and carries the fish to the river.
The Saluda River below Lake Murray dam is unique because its popular trout fishery is essentially an artificial situation, according to DNR biologists. Trout must be stocked there and can survive only because of the cold-water releases from the bottom of the Lake Murray dam. The DNR normally stocks more than 30,000 trout each year in the Saluda from November through April in what it calls a “put, grow and take” fishery.
Annual stocking is necessary to maintain the trout populations, and anglers play an important role as well. Young trout grow rapidly if allowed to remain in the river. For young trout to reach their potential, they must not be removed from the river immediately after stocking. If given time to grow, they can reach up to 16 inches, considered trophy size for this type of fishery. If trout are to reach this size, anglers must practice catch-and-release fishing, especially during the winter and early spring. Conservation officers with the DNR will be patrolling the Saluda River in the winter and spring to hold down the number of over-the-limit trout catches. The daily limit is five fish from the Saluda River between the Lake Murray dam and the confluence of the Broad River.
South Carolina’s trout fishery generates more than $9 million annually for the state’s economy in direct retail sales, with a total economic output of more than $18 million, according to a study on the economic benefits of freshwater fishing in South Carolina. The effects of trout fishing can be felt in ma