Just like a freshwater licence.
Most people say the ocean should be free, but nothing else is free
these days and the money could go to purchasing land, making fishing piers and other things fisherman want to see the government do, but cost $$$ (like hireing people to patrol herring runs, cleanup and restoration).
I never thought I'd ever be in favor of a saltwater licence since it might be unenforceable (well maybe not, most fishing spots are well known) but the more I think about it, the more I think a recreational licence is a pretty good idea.
I just wonder what a recreational licence would allow?
I would think boat recreational guys who fish with their buddies wouldn't like it (buddies would have to have a licence), or the guy that only fishes a couple times a year might not like it, but a serious recreational fisherman who fishes whenever they can, is a good fisherman, and appreciates fishing, might not mind payiing 25-50 dollars for a recreational licence every year.