The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration requires that anyone who fishes beyond three miles of the coast or who targets or catches saltwater fish that spawn in freshwater must register. The White Marlin Open is played out in the fish-rich underwater canyons more than 30 miles from shore.

Maryland does not require a charter boat license for captains who take private parties into the Atlantic from coastal ports to fish. So in order for the White Marlin Open to meet NOAA's requirements, everyone on a boat--including the captain and mate--must be individually registered in the National Saltwater Registry.

A lot is at stake.

Entering its 37th year, the White Marlin Open attracts more than 300 entries and is considered the biggest billfish tournament in the world. In 2007, the winner took home $1.39 million, and last year the largest single check was $903442.

"When I heard what happened in North Carolina, it took me about two seconds to think, 'Oh my God, I don't want this to happen here," said Jim Motsko, founder of the Open. "I'm so leery about somebody not knowing and it becoming an issue."

Motsko called state Del. Jim Mathias, who turned to the Fisheries Service for a ruling.

"We're going to put the onus on the captain or owner of the boat to make sure every person who gets on board has a registry number," Motsko said.

Only a handful of people who are likely to fish in the Open do not have to register:

Anglers under 16 years old;

Anglers who only fish on a federally-licensed charter, party or guide boat;

Holders of a Highly Migratory Species Permit www.hmspermit.gov. Only the person whose name is on the permit may fish. All others onboard the boat must register unless they meet one of the exemptions.

Anglers from a NOAA-exempt state www.countmyfish.org. Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, and Pennsylvania are not exempt states.

"If in doubt, register," said Russ Dunn, NOAA Fisheries' National Policy Advisor for Recreational Fisheries.

Registration is free and can be done by phone (888-MRIP-411) or online www.countmyfish.noaa.gov..

Anglers can register and fish the same day by writing down the registration number as proof of compliance. A waterproof registration card will be mailed out.

NOAA will use the registry to create a national phone book of anglers so that biologists and technicians can get a more accurate reading on the number and species of fish caught. The present system uses a random calling system and dockside interviews that has been discredited by scientists.

Next year, the NOAA registry will be replaced in Maryland. Coastal anglers will need to buy the same fishing license that Chesapeake Bay anglers carry. Unlicensed guests onboard a boat with a Bay Sport License will need to register separately through the state license system at no charge so they may be included in the registry.

The price of a Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License will be the same for residents in 2011 as is was in 2010: $15; $5 for anglers 65 years old and older.