New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) established the New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program (NJSRRP), effective May 4, 2011, to exempt saltwater recreational anglers fishing in New Jersey’s marine and tidal waters from the federal registry and the $15 federal registration fee imposed in 2011.

The goal of the registry is to provide the National Marine Fisheries Service with the most accurate information possible that can be used to determine the health of fish stocks. Reliable, universally trusted data will aid anglers, fisheries managers and other stakeholders in their combined efforts so that rules are set to effectively and fairly ensure the long-term sustainability of recreational fishing.

Registering with the NJSRRP is quick, easy and FREE.

Who needs to register? NOTE: Anglers with either a valid registration from the National Saltwater Angler Registry, a valid fishing license from another exempted state or a New Jersey freshwater fishing license are required to register (for free) with the NJSRRP. Registration with New Jersey will exempt you from having to register with the National Saltwater Angler Registry. New Jersey registered anglers must still comply with saltwater license requirements in other states.

Individual saltwater anglers age 16 and older MUST register if ANY of the following criteria are met:

• Recreational fishing with a hand line or rod and line, spearfish or fish by hand
• Recreational fishing in the marine and fresh tidal waters of the State of New Jersey
• Recreational fishing in marine waters outside the State of New Jersey but landing the catch in New Jersey

The only means to register is online at SaltwaterRegistry.nj.gov

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 NJSRRP

For-hire vessel owners/operators MUST register if they:

• 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

Anglers who registered in 2011 are reminded that registrations expire at the end of each calendar year and must be renewed annually.

For more information on New Jersey’s registry program, visit the New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program website at SaltwaterRegistry.nj.gov.

For more information about the national overhaul of the recreational data collection survey, and how registry database information will be used, visit the website CountMyFish.noaa.gov.