In the event that a license is proposed, what would you want to see as part of the legislation creating a saltwater license?

Here are some points to start this list:

The goal of the license should be to enhance the funding necessary to maintain and improve recreational saltwater fishing in NJ, including the collection of more accurate fisheries statistics, development of more accurate fisheries management plans, more equitable allocation of fish quotas, increased ocean artificial reef construction, etc.

Ensures the maintenance/enhancement of the present funding (from General Funds) of Marine Fisheries Bureau.

Any and all funds generated by a license or fee required for recreational saltwater fishing shall be dedicated to the Marine Fisheries Bureau, Division of Fish and Wildlife, NJDEP for the sole use in recreational saltwater programs as mandated by 16USC777 and Title 50: Wildlife and Fisheries, PART 80, Sections80.3, 80.4, 80.6 and 80.21.

Creation of an Oversight Committee having the same responsibilities as the current NJ Fish and Game Council, consisting of the recreational members of the NJMFC, to oversee the implementation of license funds.

Insure that NJ recreational saltwater anglers receive the level of representation that is commensurate with their overall numbers and economic influence on the NJ Marine Fisheries Council, the MAFMC, and the ASMFC. To more equitably represent the interests of the vast number of recreational saltwater anglers in NJ, one additional recreational member and one additional public-at-large must be added to the NJ Marine Fisheries Council, resulting in a 13-member council composed of 5 recreational fishermen, 5 commercial fishermen and 3 public-at-large members with no ties to recreational or commercial fisheries.

Inclusion of reciprocal agreement language to accommodate bordering States’ recreational saltwater fishing licenses.

Exemptions of fees for those under 16 years of age, over 65 years of age, all disabled applicants and active duty military.

Set a fee schedule that is reasonable without excluding low income and out of state fishermen.

Strict control language for any fee increases.

Language that meets the National Saltwater Angler Registry mandate.