Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2014 - 58

CURRENTS
Mandatory Life Jacket Requirement
From November 1 through April 30, boaters are required
to wear a life jacket while underway or at anchor on boats
less than 16 feet in length or on any canoe or kayak on all
Pennsylvania waters.
"Life jackets are the most important piece of safety
equipment on a boat," said Laurel Anders, PFBC Bureau
of Boating and Outreach Director. "A disproportionate
number of the fatalities occur during the months of
November through April. During these cold weather
months, boaters are especially at risk due to the water
temperature and the risk of sudden cold water immersion."
Follow these cold water survival safety tips:
* Always wear a life jacket, even when not required. Many
models also offer insulation from cold air. Read the life
jacket's approval label to be sure it's appropriate for
your activity.
* Never boat alone.
* Leave a float plan with family or friends and know the
waters you plan to boat.
ATER ANGLER REG
ISTR
ALTW
AS

Saltwater Angler Registry: Delaware River and Estuary

PE N

ISS
ION

RAM
ROG
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Anglers who target or catch shad,
striped bass and river herring* from
the Delaware River below Trenton
Falls or in the Delaware Estuary are
required to register through the Fish &
YLV
A NI
MM
Boat Commission's free online system
A FISH & BOAT CO
(PA-SARP); register, for a fee, with
the National Saltwater Angler Registry administered by the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA);
or meet the saltwater angler registration requirements of
another state. Anglers do not need to register if they meet one
of the following exceptions:
* Are under the age of 16.
* Hold a Highly Migratory Species Angling Permit.
* Fish commercially under a valid license.
* Possess a valid registration with the National Saltwater
Angler.
* Registry administered by NOAA or from another
exempted state.

PENNS
YLV
AN
I

* Bring a fully charged cell phone with you.
* Wear clothing that still insulates when
wet such as fleece, polypropylene or
other synthetics.
* If you are about to fall into cold water,
PENNSYLVANIA!
cover your mouth and nose with your
hands. This will reduce the likelihood of inhaling water.
* If possible, stay with the boat. Get back into or climb on
top of the boat.
* While in cold water, do not remove your clothing.
* If you can't get out of the water, get into the Heat
Escape Lessening Posture (HELP). In this position,
individuals bring their knees to their chest and hug
them with their arms.
* Once out of the water, remove wet clothes and put on dry
clothes. Warm up as soon as possible.
* Seek medical attention when necessary. Some effects of
exposure to cold temperatures can be delayed.
To learn more, visit www.fishandboat.com/safety.htm.

Pennsylvania fishing license holders may choose to
register for free with the Fish & Boat Commission. Visit
www.fishandboat.com/saltwater.htm for registration details.
Anglers may also register with the National Registry website
at www.countmyfish.noaa.gov with NOAA by clicking
on the Angler Registry link or call the toll-free registration
line NATIONAL SALTWATER ANGLER REGISTRY:
DELAWARE RIVER AND ESTUARY at 1-888-MRIP-411
(1-888-674-7411). Please note that registered anglers must still
possess a valid state fishing license.
Registration is a tool to help anglers and
federal policy makers work together to better
account for the contributions and impacts
of saltwater anglers on ocean ecosystems
and coastal economies. Reliable, universally
trusted data will in turn aid anglers, fisheries
managers and other stakeholders in their combined efforts to
effectively and fairly set the rules that will ensure the long-term
sustainability of recreational fishing.

*River herring (also known as Alewife and Blueback Herring) are regulated with closed fishing seasons, year-round, in the Delaware River,
its tributaries (upstream to the limit of tidal influence) and estuary. Hickory Shad (endangered species) has no open season.
These species are not to be targeted. If caught, they are to be immediately released, unharmed.

Rivers Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp
The Cumberland Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited
is holding the 20th annual Rivers Conservation and
Fly Fishing Youth Camp on June 15-20, 2014, at the
Allenberry Resort, Boiling Springs.
The curriculum is based on college level classes.
Students are instructed in ecology, aquatic biology,
geology, hydrogeology, erosion and sedimentation
control, ichthyology, riparian corridor protection,

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * January/February 2014

watershed management, entomology and more.
Admission will be limited to 32 qualified students.
Students, ages 14 to 17, will be selected through an
application process, and the applicants must have been
born between June 20, 1996, and June 15, 2000.
All applications must be postmarked no later than
March 31, 2014. For an application or more information,
visit www.riverscamp.com.
PFBC Facebook: PaFishandBoat

http://www.fishandboat.com/safety.htm http://www.fishandboat.com/safety.htm http://www.fishandboat.com/saltwater.htm http://www.fishandboat.com/saltwater.htm http://www.countmyfish.noaa.gov http://www.countmyfish.noaa.gov http://www.riverscamp.com

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2014

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