State Representative Mark Falzone joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing legislation today that will establish a saltwater fishing licensing program in the Commonwealth and ensure that any fees collected for licensing be retained for programs concerning the conservation and preservation of saltwater ecosystems in the state.

Representative Falzone emphasized, “By creating this state-wide program, Massachusetts will benefit directly from the funds collected. Our money will stay in-state and will support efforts to protect and preserve our treasured Massachusetts ocean resources.”

Federal law requires a national registry of recreational fishing. To collect the necessary data for the registry, a state may implement a license program or the federal government will implement its own.

Were this legislation not passed in the Commonwealth, the federal government has a pre-established saltwater fishing licensing program in place that would begin on January 1, 2010. Under the federal program, fees collected from licenses would be diverted to the federal government.

“With this bill, we are taking a proactive approach to saltwater fishing licensing to ensure that licensing fees support important conservation efforts in our state,” House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo said. “Even at times like these, we must do what we can to preserve the natural surroundings that Massachusetts is known for.”

The legislation includes federally-allowed exemptions for those with disabilities, those under 16 years of age or over 59, and passengers on for-hire vessels. In addition, the bill includes two free fishing days which would allow anglers to fish without a license.