1. Developing a USVI Recreational License System and Updating the Recreational Regulations Bob Trumble, Erika Zollett MRAG Americas

2. NMFS Registration Requirements NMFS Annual Registration - All persons angling, spearfishing, in possession of angling or spearfishing equipment or operating a vessel for-hire in the EEZ (or anadromous in tidal waters) Registration effective – January 1, 2010 Fees assessed – January 1, 2011

3. Exemptions NOAA will exempt anglers from the federal registration rule if they are licensed in states/territories that have a system to provide complete information on their saltwater anglers to the national registry. www.countmyfish.noaa.gov

4. Updating the recreational regulations They are old They don’t perform Don’t address current issues Consistency with federal regulations

5. What problems to address? Universe of fishermen - Res, non Res –Shore-based –Private boats –Charters Stop overfishing? Prevent overfishing? Habitat damage? Allocation? Data collection

6. Overfished and Overfishing FMPOverfishedOverfishing Approaching Reef Fish Grouper Unit 1 - Grouper Unit 4 Snapper Unit 1 Parrotfishes Grouper Unit 1 Grouper Unit 3 Grouper Unit 4 Snapper Unit 1 - Parrotfishes Queen Conch -

7. Overfished and Overfishing FMPOverfishedOverfishingApproaching Atlantic HMS - Blue marlin White marlin Sailfish Albacore Bluefin tuna - Dusky Blacknose Shortfin Mako Sandbar - Blue marlin White marlin Sailfish Albacore Bluefin tuna Porbeagle Dusky Blacknose - Sandbar Yellowfin tuna Porbeagle Shortfin mako

8. Other Issues Size/bag Limits Use of SCUBA for spear fishing Circle hooks vs. J-hooks Sale of recreational fish Enforcement Seabird interactions Draft report out for FAC Review

9. Schedule FAC subcommittee workshop 17-18 Oct –Develop concepts for public comments Public hearings to present recommendations – early in new year FAC subcommittee workshop - Spring –Revise recommendations based on public –Recommendations for full FAC Full FAC workshop - Summer –Develop final recommendations