Saving Seafood

MARYLAND: Maryland DNR launches online commercial fishing license renewals

July 24, 2026 — Maryland commercial watermen can now renew their fishing licenses online for the first time.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has added commercial license renewals to its MD Outdoors licensing system, allowing eligible license holders to complete the process without visiting a service center.

The new online option is available only for renewing existing commercial licenses and permits. New licenses, transfers and oyster tag requests must still be handled through a DNR Licensing Service Center.

Watermen with striped bass tag fees or nonresident surcharges must pay those charges online before completing their renewal.

Read the full article at WBOC

Maryland DNR gets new fisheries director

October 2, 2015 — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has a new director of fisheries, David Blazer, who has been on the job since Monday, Sept. 21.

Blazer, most recently before being hired as the director of fisheries, was the deputy director for harbor development at the Maryland Port Administration.

But it’s not his first go-around at DNR, as Blazer started his career with DNR as a sports fishing specialist. He established, coordinated and managed education and promotional programs before being promoted to legislation and regulation program chief, overseeing programs related to fin and sport fish in Maryland. He previously worked at DNR between 1990 and 1998.

Read the full story from The Star Democrat