It always seems New Jersey is the "Can't Do" state...and, for that matter...
if “You DON'T ” the results are usually a monetary penalty!

By Michael Melchionne

I call New Jersey, the “can’t do” state. You “can’t do” this, you “can’t do” that! And if you do...and for that matter...if “you don’t”... the results are usually a monetary penalty! Who in today’s economy has more money than they care to and is willing offer more of it to this state?

When I first heard about the “Saltwater Registry” I was just as skeptical as the next  angler, thinking it was “Big Brother’s” preliminary step to start charging us for something we’ve grown used to using at will...for no fee! BUT, as it turns out, New Jersey set up its own registry to save us all $15.00 so we wouldn’t have to pay that for the “Federal Registry “ fee!  Why “Thank You” New Jersey DEP! The registry information below has been obtained from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, but it is always a good idea to check the regulations yourself. You can use the "NJ Saltwater Registry" link on our "NJ Regs" page to check the NJ DEP web site.

History of the Saltwater Registry...

In 2006 the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) was charged with the creation of a universal phonebook – or registry – of all current saltwater anglers in the United States. The registry was developed to allow NOAA to quickly and easily contact current saltwater anglers in an effort to gain more accurate and timely information on recreational fisheries. States were allowed to establish their own registry program for saltwater anglers that fished in their state. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection established its own registry program, the New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program, to exempt saltwater recreational anglers fishing in New Jersey’s marine and tidal waters from the federal registry and the $15.00 federal registration fee imposed in 2011. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) implemented the New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program (NJSRRP) effective May 4, 2011 through Administrative Order No. 2011-05.

The reasoning...

The registry is an important tool that will help fishermen and policy makers work together to better account for the contributions and impacts of saltwater anglers on ocean ecosystems and coastal economies. It is part of a national overhaul of the way NOAA collects and reports recreational fishing data. The goal of the initiative - known as the Marine Recreational Information Program, or MRIP - is to provide the most accurate information possible that can be used to determine the health of fish stocks. Reliable, universally trusted data will in turn aid anglers, fisheries managers and other stakeholders in their combined efforts to effectively and fairly set the rules that will ensure the long-term sustainability of recreational fishing.   For more information, visit www.CountMyFish.noaa.gov.

The NJ Saltwater Registry is NOT a License. New Jersey does not have a saltwater license. However, all Marine Fisheries Rules and Regulations must be followed at all times.

Failure to carry and to be able to produce a Saltwater Recreational Registry card to law enforcement authorities can result in legal action and financial penalties.

Who Needs To Register?

NOTE: Anglers with a valid registration with the National Saltwater Angler Registry or have a valid license from another exempted state are required to register (for free) with the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program. Registration with NJ will exempt you from having to register with the National Saltwater Angler Registry.

Individual saltwater anglers ages 16 and older MUST register if ANY of the following criteria are met:
• Recreationally fish with a hand line or rod and line, spearfish or fish by hand
• Recreationally fish in the marine and fresh tidal waters of the State of New Jersey
• Recreationally fish in marine waters outside the State of New Jersey but land the catch in New Jersey

Individual saltwater anglers are EXEMPT from registering if either of the following apply:
• Under the age of 16
• Solely fish on for-hire (party and charter) vessels that are registered with the New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program
For-hire vessel owners/operators MUST register if:
• Carry individuals who engage in recreational fishing in the marine and fresh tidal waters of the State of New Jersey
OR
• Carry individuals who engage in recreational fishing in the marine waters outside the State of New Jersey but land their catch in New Jersey.

Most anglers who wish to participate in New Jersey's world class saltwatering fishing need to register with the State of New Jersey to obtain a Saltwater Registry card.

If registering as an individual you will need the last four digits of your social security number in addition to your name, address, date of birth and phone number. Emails are optional, but providing one will permit the computerized registration system to send you a confirmation of your registration. Click on the "New Registration" button or "Renew Any Registration", if you've been registered before and it will take you right to the registration page.
If registering as an owner/operator of a For-Hire Vessel you will need to provide the last four digits of your social security number, your name, address, date of birth, phone number and either the United States Coast Guard Documentation Number or the Registration Number and state of the Vessel you are registering. If your boat has a name you should also provide that information. Click on the "New For-Hire Registration" button or "Renew Any Registration", if you've been registered before and it will take you right to the registration page.
What if I do not have a Social Security Number?

If you do not have a Social Security Number for this registration purpose you will be considered a non-US resident. You will then have the ability to input your passport number and country of origin.

SO, whatever you enjoy doing out on the saltwaters of New Jersey, one of the documents you better have in your possession is the "SALTWATER REGISTRY". It's free, it takes 5 minutes...but most importantly, all enforcement agencies you run across will be asking for a copy of it. Believe me...I know!