Frequent Questions: National Saltwater Angler Registry

About NSAR

Why was the National Saltwater Angler Registry, or NSAR, established?

The Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act of 2007 called on NOAA Fisheries to redesign its recreational fisheries data collection program and establish a National Saltwater Angler Registry. (The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommended both of these actions following its 2006 review of methods used to collect recreational fishing data and estimate recreational catch.) This “address book” of recreational anglers gives NOAA Fisheries the information we need to ensure active anglers receive our recreational Fishing Effort Survey. Data collected through the Fishing Effort Survey inform the agency’s estimates of total recreational catch, which help scientists and managers assess and maintain sustainable U.S. fish stocks.

Registration Requirements

Who needs to register with NSAR?

Most anglers do not need to register with NSAR,

If you are a private recreational angler, you do not need to register with NSAR if:

• You have a current, valid saltwater recreational fishing license, registration, or other permit that conveys saltwater fishing privileges issued by a U.S. state or territory other than Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. Depending on the state, such licenses or permits may include a lifetime saltwater fishing license, a combination freshwater and saltwater license, or a combination hunting and saltwater fishing license.
• You are fishing in a state whose law does not require you to hold a saltwater recreational fishing license or permit (e.g., because you are under 16 years of age, or are fishing on a state or federally licensed or permitted for hire fishing vessel).

If you are a private recreational angler, you might need to register with NSAR if:

• You’re a U.S. resident;
• You’re 16 or older;
• You plan to fish in state or federal waters in which you may catch anadromous fish (e.g., salmon, striped bass, shad, and other species that live in the ocean but migrate into rivers to spawn);
• You plan to fish (engage in angling or spearfishing) in federal waters from a private or rental boat; and
• You do not have a valid saltwater recreational fishing license, registration, or permit from a U.S. state or territory.

If you are a for-hire vessel owner or operator, you might need to register with NSAR if:

• You do not have a valid for-hire permit from NOAA Fisheries;
• You do not have a valid for-hire license or permit from a U.S. state or territory; and
• You will be fishing in federal waters or there is a chance your passengers will catch anadromous fish in state tidal waters. (Anadromous fish include salmon, striped bass, shad, and other species that live in the ocean but migrate into rivers to spawn.)

Answer our questionnaire to determine whether you need to register with NSAR.

What information will I be asked to provide when I register?

You will be asked to provide your name, date of birth, mailing address, telephone number, and, if applicable, for-hire vessel number. You will also be asked to select the U.S. states and/or territories in which you intend to fish or operate your for-hire vessel during the next year. Information about your intended fishing location(s) is for informational purposes only. It will not impact your registration status or restrict your ability to fish in other locations.

Can I register and fish on the same day?

Yes. Once you have registered, you will receive an email from us that you can print out to use as proof of registration. Your registration is also included as an attachment to that email, which you can print at your convenience. If you do not have immediate access to a printer, you can simply write down your registration number to use while fishing. You may also retain the email in your mobile device's mailbox and show it to a law enforcement officer, if necessary.

Note: Your NSAR registration does not supersede state licensing and registration requirements or serve as a license or permit to fish anywhere.

Do I have to register every year?

Yes. Unless you are exempt, you must register with NSAR every year. Your registration will be valid for one year from the date on which you registered.

Once I register with NSAR, will I still need a state license?

Your NSAR registration does not supersede state licensing and registration requirements or serve as a license or permit to fish anywhere. If a state license is required for angling, spear fishing, possession, or landing of fish; operating a for-hire vessel; or any other fishing activity you plan to participate in, you must comply with those requirements regardless of whether you registered with NSAR.

Registration Fees

Does registration cost money?

Most anglers do not need to register with NSAR. For those who do, the NSAR registration fee is $29. This fee is waived for some people of Native American and Western Pacific Island descent, including individuals who are:

• Documented members of a federally recognized tribe or Alaskan Native Corporation; or
• Western Pacific residents who are descended from the aboriginal people indigenous to the region, who conducted commercial or subsistence fishing using traditional fishing methods, such as angling.

Note: We are not able to provide refunds for bank account (ACH) debits.

Where does the money go?

Registration fees collected through NSAR are sent to the federal treasury. Fees collected for state licenses support purposes determined by the state.

Enforcement

How will I prove to law enforcement that I am registered?

Your NSAR card or a clear photo of it will serve as proof of registration. If necessary, you may also write down your registration number to use while fishing. In addition, you may retain your registration email in your mobile device's mailbox and show it to a law enforcement officer, if necessary.

How will I prove to law enforcement that I am exempt from registering?

If you are exempt from registering with NSAR because you have a valid saltwater recreational fishing license, registration, or permit from a U.S. state or territory other than Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, your state license, registration, or permit will serve as proof of your exemption.

If you are exempt from registering with NSAR because you are fishing in a state whose law does not require you to hold a saltwater recreational fishing license, registration, or permit, we recommend keeping identification, proof of residency, and proof of eligibility for such an exemption with you when you are fishing.

What is the penalty for not registering?

Unless you are exempt, registering with NSAR is the law. (Most anglers do not need to register with NSAR.) Penalties for not registering will vary depending on the circumstances of a specific situation.