The Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) will implement a free state saltwater angler identification program in January of 2011 in order to exempt saltwater anglers from having to register yearly with the National Saltwater Angler Registry and pay an annual federal registration fee.
The Virginia Fisherman Identification Program (FIP) will require unlicensed saltwater anglers age 16 and older to register for free with the VMRC and receive an identification number annually. If someone plans to saltwater fish without needing to buy a license, they’ll need to register with VMRC.
Adult anglers who fish for anadromous or marine species in Virginia’s freshwaters will need to register as well. Anglers that only fish on licensed charter boats you do not have to register.
Anglers can register online at www.mrc.virginia.gov/FIP or call toll-free 800-723-2728. Phone operators can only take registrations and cannot look up FIP information or answer program questions.
For more information on the FIP, visit www.mrc.virginia.gov or call the VMRC at 757-247-2200.