Important New Outdoor Rules For 2011

A new year usually means new rules and regulations for outdoor enthusiasts like fishermen and boaters, and this year is no exception. While some changes can bring expanded opportunities, most are restrictive, place limits or even bans. In 2011 there are many states with new laws on the books pertaining to outdoor recreation, and we've combed the net for information on some of the most important.

Buying, selling or installing a VHF Radio? Then you will want to learn more about the new FCC regulation making it illegal to do so with some models of DSC capable VHF radios. According to the US Coast Guard, "Beginning on March 25th, 2011, the Federal Communications Commission will prohibit the manufacture, importation, sale and installation of fixed mounted (non-portable) digital selective calling (DSC) equipped marine radios that do not meet the requirements of International Telecommunications Union (ITU-R) Recommendation M.493-11 or higher, and in the case of Class D VHF DSC equipment only, International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) International Standard 62238. " Confused? Mike (oregonrafter from ifish.net) has a great write-up on the new law with a comprehensive list of manufacturers & models of Class D fixed-mount radios. Well worth the visit.

A new regulation that effects a huge swath of Gulf states concerns Grouper fishing. Federal fisheries managers along the Gulf of Mexico are trying to maintain stocks of the popular fish by implementing a full ban on keeping gag grouper caught in federal waters. While the ban doesn't apply in state waters closer to shore, fishermen with federal permits will have to follow the same rules in both federal and state waters. The rule does not come as a surprise to local fishermen who have seen a decline in the usually abundant catch. The rule is planned to end in June, allowing a necessary build-up in the depleted gag grouper stocks.

Further north, a new saltwater license regulation affects New England. As of January 1, 2011, all New England states began requiring a saltwater license or registration to fish within 3 miles of shore. The new law gets a little confusing due to exemptions from bordering states, additional fees and permits for different species, so to make sense of it all, boatinglocal.com has a great page on their site dedicated to a whole state-by-state breakdown.

Yeah, yeah. We all have to live by the rules. But for outdoorsmen and women, rules are what make us one of the most responsible and responsive groups as a whole. So learn the rules.

sources: ifish.net, naplesnews.com, boatinglocal.com

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