HARTFORD, Conn. -- Saltwater fishing licenses are now required by the state of Connecticut, the Department of Environmental Protection said on Thursday.

Gov. Jodi Rell said the bill requiring the licenses, which cost $10 for residents and $15 for non-residents, on July 1. They can be purchased through the DEP Web site.

Lawmakers authorized the marine fishing license requirement during the 2009 General Session, but it wasn't made a law until after the governor signed it.

"The new saltwater fishing license will provide us with information we need to better manage our fisheries and coastal resources," acting DEP Commissioner Amey Marrella said. "The Connecticut program will also exempt residents from a federal program that would have required our anglers to register with and pay a fee to the federal government. It makes much more sense for us to gather information about our own anglers and to keep license fees in Connecticut."

The requirement for the marine fish license goes into effect immediately, she said, and environmental police will begin checking for licenses immediately.