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Ok, Here are some facts and opinions of the situation...
Fact...When the Magnuson Stevens Fisheries Reform Act was re-authorized by congress in '07 there was a great deal of discussion and even congressional hearings around the horrible data on all things related to Recreational Fishing. Included in the bill was a clause that requires all coastal states to have a "registry" of recreational anglers by 2009. The Feds will institute a "registry" for any state that does not do so on thier own.
Fact...The wording in the bill is not well written because politics is politics but "something" must be done to comply by 2009.
Fact...This afternoon "Monday 1/28 I spoke with a "senior official" with /MA DMF and there is currently no proposal on the table.
Opinion...The EPO referred to in the beginning of this thread was probably stating what has been running around for rumor and inuendo for over a year.
Fact...All East Coast States currently either have a Recreational Salt Water Liscense or a Bill filed to create one, except MA & Rhode Island.
Fact...All New England Coastal States have been meeting on this issue.
Opinon or Confirmed Unofficial Information...From all info I have gathered, the feeling amongst the New England States except Maine is that Salt Water Licenses should/will be reciprocal.
Fact...Besides Florida, Salt Water Anglers in States with a License are NOT RECEIVING THE POLITICAL BENEFITS/ATTENTION/CLOUT THAT SOME ARGUE WILL COME WHEN A STATE GETS A LICENSE. In a few States the license is still too new to tell.
that is all for now...
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