AUGUSTA (AP) – The Maine House has rejected a bill calling for a saltwater license for recreational fishermen.

The bill voted down by a 96-45 roll call vote Monday would have brought Maine into compliance with federal requirements. An amended version would have set $5 annual fees for residents and $15 for nonresidents.

The issue is not settled, however. State Sen. David Trahan is sponsoring a bill requiring fishermen to register with the state or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Trahan, a Waldoboro Republican, said he’s been assured that his bill would provide the federal government with the information it wants.

NOAA last December announced it will begin requiring all saltwater fishermen to be included in a national angler registry beginning in January 2010.


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