Posted by Chris on December 04, 2003 at 02:08:42:
Fishing license fee changes that take effect Jan. 1, 2004 include the following:
- Eliminating the annual "Pacific Ocean Only" sport fishing license, which was $17.25.
- The annual Resident Sport Fishing License, which is valid in inland and ocean waters, increased from $29.25 to $31.25.
- The annual Nonresident Sport Fishing License increased from $78.50 to $84.
- The one-day "Pacific Ocean Only" sport fishing license was eliminated, which was $6.25.
- Anglers can now purchase a One-Day Sport Fishing License for $10 that is valid in both inland and ocean waters. (Anglers do not have to buy an ocean enhancement stamp with the purchase of this license).
- The 10-Day Nonresident Sport Fishing License fee increased from $29.25 to $31.25.
- A Two-Day Sport Fishing License will also be available again and increased from $10.50 to $15.75. It is valid in all waters. The two-day license, like the one-day license, is exempt from ocean enhancement stamp requirements.
Stamp and report card changes include the following:
- The Striped Bass Stamp will no longer be required. Legislation authorizing the Striped Bass Stamp Program expires Dec. 31.
- The Ocean Enhancement Stamp fee increased to $3.50 for saltwater anglers south of Point Arguello (Santa Barbara County). The Ocean Enhancement Stamp fee was established in 1995 at $2.50, and has not been adjusted to the cost-of-living index since then. Funding generated from this stamp is used for hatchery production, research, and restoration projects for affected marine sport fish such as white seabass.
- The Bay-Delta Sport Fishing Enhancement Stamp will sell for $5 and fund a new program aimed at system-wide, sport fishery enhancement. Funds from the sale of this new stamp are de dicated for projects that enhance sport fishing in the San Francisco Bay and Delta.
- The Steelhead Report Card fee increased from $3.75 to $5. This fee was established at $3 in 1993. Funds from the sale of Steelhead Report Cards are used to monitor and restore California's steelhead populations. Typical projects include assessing angler harvest, restoring spawning and rearing habitat, securing adequate flows, and removing barriers to migration.
- The Abalone Report Card increased from $12 to $15. Divers are required to have a Sport Fishing License and an abalone report card. Revenue generated from this report card is used for abalone restoration projects throughout the state.