CCA Maryland SUPPORTS improving fisheries data and SUPPORTS House Bill 610/ Senate Bill 455

Task Force:

This action empowers recreational fishing stakeholders to work with Maryland DNR and academic partners to work as a task force to identify actions that can be taken and funded to improve our understanding of recreational fishing activities and the scientific assessment of our fishery resources.

• Recreational fishing licenses are a core driver in funding to Maryland DNR to manage our shared marine resources.
• Licenses allow Maryland DNR to understand who is fishing so they may survey participants to understand their activities on the water.
• Recreational fishery based data is a very important component of the science based systems to estimate fish populations and ensure sustainable management.
• Current coast-wide survey systems do not provide the level of statistical accuracy needed to better manage our fisheries in a timely manner.

Pilot Program:

• The proposed pilot program is focused on improving the data collection associated with the  Consolidated Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport Boat License (boat license)
• The proposed pilot program is an example of an action that can be taken now to improve a known knowledge gap in the current licensing structure and an issue with compliance with current reporting requirements.
• The proposed pilot program does not increase any fees on fishery participants.
• The specific purpose of the pilot program as proposed in the legislation:
  • To collect demographic data of individuals fishing under a boat license
  • Collect information regarding the number of trips taken and fish caught and released under a boat license
  • Improve FREE registration compliance under current regulations
  • Requiring reporting to obtain the boat license in a subsequent year.