VA To Enforce Fishing Registration Requirements

Associated Press

NEWPORT NEWS

The Virginia Marine Police will soon begin cracking down on fishermen who haven't registered with the Virginia Fisherman Identification Program.

Authorities will begin issuing citations after the Fourth of July weekend. Any adult who fishes in Virginia's saltwaters or for saltwater species in tidal waters is required to register.

Anyone who buys a Virginia saltwater fishing license is automatically registered. Anglers who fail to register could face a fine of up to $500.

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission says fewer than 28,000 people have registered this year. The National Marine Fisheries Service estimates 750,000 people a year fish in the state's saltwaters.

Registration is free at www.mrc.virginia.gov/FIP.

Source;  http://hamptonroads.com/2011/06/va-enforce-fishing-registration-requirements