Saltwater Recreational Registry Program

(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association February 2012 Newsletter)

The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife reminds all saltwater anglers they must register with the New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program prior to fishing in 2012. Registrations expire at the end of each calendar year and must be renewed annually.

The registry was established in 2011 to exempt New Jersey anglers from both having to register with the National Saltwater Angler Registry and having to pay the $15.00 federal registration fee imposed in 2011.

Anglers with a valid license/registration from another exempted state, or a New Jersey freshwater license, are still required to register (for free) with the NJSRRP. Most individual saltwater anglers ages 16 and older, as well as for-hire vessel owners/operators, must register.

For more information on registering, as well as a link to the registration website, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/news/2012/registry_reminder12.htm on the division's web site.

During 2011, no summonses were issued to anyone who was not registered, as the DEP decided it was best to issue warnings and inform the public of the new law. Additionally, the penalties for violating this law were excessive. However, the JCAA and other organizations fought for legislation that reduced these fines. A regulation was recently enacted whereby the ppenalties for failing to register as an individual now include a warning or a fine up to $25 for the first offense and $50 for any subsequent offense. For-hire vessels are subject to fines of $100 for the first offense and $200 for subsequent offenses.

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