This bill creates a new requirement for individuals who take paying customers recreationally fishing for fish in the coastal waters of the State to obtain a for-hire charter boat operator's license. The fee for the license is $25 for residents and $50 for nonresidents, all of which must be deposited in the Marine Recreation Fishing Conservation and Management Fund. The license is available only to an individual holding a current guide license for tidewater fishing or who is a captain of a vessel holding a valid and current certificate of inspection issued by the United States Coast Guard. It also eliminates exceptions from having to register with the saltwater registry for individuals fishing recreationally for halibut.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text LD 214, HP 137: 12.6312