Governor Deval Patrick signs fishing registration law

Governor Deval Patrick has signed a law requiring state licenses for saltwater fishing in Massachusetts.

The Department of Fish and Game will propose an individual permit fee of $10 to take effect in January. The revenue will be deposited in the state's Marine Recreational Fisheries Development Fund.

The federal government is requiring the registries as a means of measuring non-commercial fishing activity on the nation's coasts. If states don't create their own programs, the federal government will require anglers to register online or by telephone for a free from $15 to $25.

Some critics question the need for a permit to fish in the ocean and have also raised privacy concerns. And they say they suspect low initial fees will be raised once fishermen are registered.

Patrick signed the bill late Monday.