A Guide on Commercial Fishing Permits in Alaska

Alaska is known as “The Last Frontier” for a reason. With its massive, sprawling size, and vast, untouched wilderness, this state is a little bit different than the rest of the U.S. and is in many ways an outdoorsman’s paradise. Of course, Alaska is also home to thousands of miles of coastline, and the waters off its shores present unmatched commercial fishing opportunities. If you are an Alaska resident, or if the frontier is calling you, turning commercial fishing into a career may seem like a no-brainer. If you find yourself considering this professional path, you are going to want to acquaint yourself with commercial fishing permits in Alaska.

Setting out as a commercial fisherman is going to call for a significant amount of planning. First, you are going to need to decide what you are going to fish for. The good news there is that Alaska has no shortage of options. Next, you will want to make sure that your boat is well-equipped for the rigors and demands of the Alaskan seas. That means the proper fishing gear and safety supplies, such as a well-stocked first aid kit and life vests for your entire crew. Lastly, though perhaps most importantly, you will want to make sure that you have the necessary permits and licenses to commercially fish legally.

Who Needs Commercial Fishing Permits in Alaska?

Before you begin tracking down applications for Alaskan commercial fishing permits, it is likely helpful to determine what you specifically need. This can largely be figured out by what you will be fishing for, as well as where you plan to cast your lines. If you are going to be fishing on inland waters, or in the area between zero and three miles from shore, you will need to obtain commercial fishing permits from the state. The agency specifically tasked with this is the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and you do have the option of submitting an application for a commercial fishing license directly to their offices via mail.

If like many commercial fishermen in Alaska, you will find yourself in the Bering Sea, the Aleutian Islands, or just in waters a bit farther from land, you will need to obtain federal commercial fishing permits. Specifically, these permits are required if you are fishing anywhere between three and 200 nautical miles from the Alaskan coast. You can obtain federal commercial fishing permits from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The NOAA, for its part, has an entire subsection of permits for Alaska, since it covers such a large amount of water. You can get NOAA permits for halibut, scallops, salmon, and much more in the Alaska region.

Find Your License Application Online

At the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, we can help you get your fishing licenses online. Simply locate the application you need via our streamlined navigation, and with just a few clicks, you can process your documents through our SSL-encrypted web portal. If you would like to learn more, please contact one of our friendly customer service agents today.