BEFORE ANSWERING THIS FORM, it would be helpful for you to review:
1) The Summary - The summary has detailed information, frequently asked questions, a sample declaration form, and answers to questions like Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How.
2) The Proposed Action - The proposed action was printed in the Maryland Register on September 5, 2025.
What was proposed and why?
The purpose of this action is to formalize the reporting methods for commercial and fishing guide licensees and require licensees to declare their method of reporting for each type of report they are required to submit. Reporting on paper is the only method of reporting described in regulation; however, there are electronic systems of reporting that the Department has determined are capable of collecting the necessary harvest information. The proposed action clarifies the requirements for paper reporting and adds methods for electronic reporting without hailing and electronic reporting with hailing. Currently, electronic reporting is completed through the Standard Atlantic Fisheries Information System (SAFIS), an electronic vessel trip report (eVTR), or the Fishing Activity and Catch Tracking System (FACTS), but since systems can change, the names of the systems are not being listed in the regulation.
Requiring harvesters to declare a reporting method is necessary for ensuring reporting compliance. If the Department does not know how an individual is going to report, it cannot conduct outreach to delinquent reporters. This declaration will inform the Department whether to expect a report via paper, SAFIS, or FACTS. Currently, the Department receives only about one half of the required harvest reports each year, making declaration a critical tool as the Department works to increase reporting compliance.
Specifically, the proposed action:
(a) Makes it clear that anyone licensed under Natural Resources Article, §§4-210, 4-210.1, 4-701, 4-701.1, or 4-701.2, Annotated Code of Maryland, shall accurately record their harvest information;
(b) Describes the methods of reporting and the requirements for each method;
(c) Requires a licensee to declare which reporting method they will use for each type of report they are required to complete;
(d) Provides a mechanism for a licensee to change their declaration up to two times per license year; and
(e) Describes exceptions to regulations if a licensee chooses to report with the electronic harvest reporting system with hailing.
Deadline for Comments
Comments must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. October 6, 2025.
