This is old news however..... from NOAA Frequently Asked Questions about the Angler Registry
https://www.countmyfish.noaa.gov/faq_registry.html#8
8. Is there a fee to register?
There is no fee to register in 2010. A fee will be required as of January 1, 2011.
Translate as: We need dough to fight you guys off as you've finally gotten mad at our incompetence with the whole range of saltwater species.
9. How much will registration cost in 2011?
Translate as: It depends how much its going to cost to fight you guys off and still buy Dunkin Donuts by the box every day becuase we (frankly) are a very lazy bunch lof poeple 
The fee for registering in 2011 has not been established yet, but
NOAA estimates it will cost between $15 and $25.
Translate as: $25.00 minimum because donuts are starting to cost more 
10.
How will the fee be determined?
Translate as: We do everything else in a vacuum so we won't tell you
According to Federal law, the registration fee will be calculated based on the cost to administer the program. That means that NOAA will look at the total amount of money it takes to run the registry, and divide that by the anticipated number of people registering. In other words, if the program costs $25,000 to operate and 1,000 people were registering, the fee would be $25 per angler.
11. Where will the money go?
Translate as: Read above
Fees collected by the National Saltwater Angler Registry will go to the Federal treasury. They will not be designated for any specific purpose. In the case of anglers who are automatically registered when they buy a state license, money paid to the state will be used for purposes determined by that state. If you have a saltwater fishing license, call your state department of natural resources for more information.
