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5/06/07
FISHING LICENSE FEES
TO INCREASE JULY 1
Anglers who haven't
already purchased their 2007 fishing licenses may want to
get one in the next couple of months before the cost goes up
for both fresh and salt water permits. The increases were
the result of discussions and final agreement that included
input from recreational fishing organizations. Per an April
29, 2007 Department of Natural Resources (DNR) press release
new costs for fishing licenses will take affect on July 1,
2007.
Actions by the
Legislature
Approval by the
Maryland General Assembly finalized the increase in
sportfishing license fees, following legislation based on
proposals made by recreational fishing representatives.
Increasing revenues in this regard are with the intent to
restore and maintain fishing opportunities. Data provided by
the DNR states that sportfishing in Maryland generates more
than $1 billion in economic output.
Supports Fisheries Management
With the creation of
the Fisheries Management Reform Act, recreational
anglers helped develop an effort which is to benefit the
Maryland DNR Fisheries programs in several ways. The April
29 DNR press release includes a quote from William T.
Windley Jr., President of the Maryland Saltwater
Sportfishermen's Association who states,
“It supports the Department’s efforts to
employ scientific methods to improve fisheries management,
quality and public access, as well as the health of the
Chesapeake Bay. Further, Senate Bill 1012 gives recreational
fishermen a strong, clear voice in fisheries management. In
light of these advances on our behalf, it seems only fair
that we accept some of the responsibility of supporting
these efforts through modest fee increases.”
Where the $ Will Go
Along with other
sources that supplement the requirements, funds received
from recreational fishing license sales, are dedicated to
sportfish restoration and management programs. The DNR has
stated their intent to seek advice of fisheries advisory
groups to implement a plan for the use of funds gained from
the new increased rates. Candidates for funding include
assessment of essential sportfish populations, "..identifying
and conserving critical fisheries habitat; assessing impacts
of fish disease; securing water supply for hatcheries and
steams; developing and enhancing sportfishing opportunities;
evaluating the expectations and successes of sportfishing in
Maryland; documenting the economics of recreational fishing;
and promoting the quality of life values of recreational
fishing."
New License
Fees
Resident annual
non-tidal waters - $20.50, Nonresident annual non-tidal
waters - $30.50 or a fee equal to the fee charged a Maryland
resident by the nonresident’s home state for a similar
license Resident annual tidal waters- $15, Nonresident
annual tidal waters- $15, Annual Consolidated Bay Sport Boat
License, which is permanently affixed to a boat registered
in any state - $50. The fees for the short term recreational
fishing licenses and trout stamp remain the same. For
additional information, visit the DNR website,
http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/.
Keep Rockin'
The current 2007 PRFC
recreational striper time continues through May 15. During
this first PRFC season, the area open for possessing
stripers is limited to Potomac River waters downstream of
the Harry Nice (Route 301) Bridge. Daily creel and size
limits are one fish per person per day from 28 inches to 35
inches or one fish over 41 inches. For additional
information call 1-800-266-3904 or visit the PRFC website
at, http://www.prfc.state.va.us/index.htm. Maryland's
current recreational striper season continues through May
15. During this time, one fish per person per day between 28
inches and 35 inches in total length or one fish 41 inches
or greater can be kept. All striped bass between 35
inches and 41 inches must be quickly released to the water,
unharmed. DNR Fisheries notes that it is illegal to cull
or exchange, a striped bass already in possession for
another striped bass later caught that same fishing day.
Eels may not be used as bait until May 16. To see the areas
in which striped bass fishing is restricted during the first
2007 season, visit,
www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/fishingreport/frmapindex.asp
Gobble On
The statewide 2007
spring turkey season continues through May 23. Legal hunting
time is one half hour before sunrise until 12:00 noon. The
daily bag limit is one bearded bird with a maximum of two
per season. Register turkey harvests by calling
1-888-800-0121, or via the DNR internet at
www.gamecheck.dnr.state.md.us. Detailed instructions for
checking game and information about turkey hunting
regulations and public land opportunities can be found in
the 2006–2007 Guide to Hunting & Trapping in Maryland
or at the DNR websites,
http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/hntgp.asp or
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide/
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