AUGUSTA – With a federal requirement looming in less than two years, Maine lawmakers Monday took a first step toward a study into how a recreational fishing license system would be implemented in the state’s coastal waters.

After a brief debate, the House of Representatives voted 84-50 to order the state Marine Resources Department to look into how a recreational fishing license, permit or registry would be put into effect.

But no state registry or licensing program would be set up until a federal law requiring it takes effect in January 2009, said Rep. Leila Percy, House chairwoman of the Marine Resources Committee.

The bill was introduced in response to a federal law requiring anglers who go after fish that travel between fresh and salt water to enroll in a federal registry starting in 2009. Federal fees would start two years later.

Federal officials say the program is to help the government collect better data on the habits of recreational saltwater fishermen and their impact on fish stocks and the economy.

The law allows states to adopt their own programs, provided they turn valid data over to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

During Monday’s debate, Rep. Jonathan McKane of Newcastle opposed any state action, saying it is “a way to eventually get to a saltwater fishing license in Maine.”

“I don’t think we should start putting a fee on something that’s always been free and always should be free,” said McKane, a Republican.

McKane said saltwater license fees would be “worse than the canoe and kayak tax.” Registration fees on small non-motorized craft have been proposed in the past but rejected by the Legislature.

The original bill considered by the Marine Resources Committee sought to create a saltwater recreational fishing license and impose fees starting at $15 for residents and $30 for nonresidents.

Percy, D-Phippsburg, said that so many questions arose as the committee delved into the issue that it decided more study was needed. She said the approach that’s been endorsed by the committee’s majority, and by the House on Monday, is “proactive” and promotes local control.

The resolve that emerged from committee requires recommended legislation by Jan. 15, 2008, so legislative action can be taken that year.