Applying for a Commercial Tuna Fishing Permit

If you are a commercial fisherman, or you own a commercial fishing operation, you probably got into this line of work because you are passionate about angling. Maybe you spend most of your free time during the warmer months out on the water fishing, and as such, you have made your hobby into a career. While fishing on a commercial or industrial level can feel professionally and spiritually rewarding, it can also prove quite lucrative. Simply put, the demand for quality, fresh seafood is pretty consistently high, and certain types of fish in particular command a high dollar on the open market. One such species is tuna, which while difficult to catch (they can be quite large and strong fish), can offer a solid profit margin. If you are new to commercial fishing, or if you are thinking of adding tuna to your offerings, you may want to explore the idea of obtaining a commercial tuna fishing permit. By working with us, you can apply for the licenses you need online in just minutes.

Whether you are fishing for tuna, trapping lobster, or netting another type of fish, there are rules and regulations that you will need to adhere to. There are a couple of reasons for this. For one, fishing commercially means extracting a natural resource and selling it for a profit. With this in mind, it is not surprising that state and federal agencies would want to know who is operating on our fisheries. There is also the matter of preservation, as overfishing can be damaging to the ecosystem. By requiring permits–which are sometimes limited in their availability–and quotas, agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) can better protect our waters for future generations of commercial fishermen. Read on to learn more about getting the permits you need to fish for tuna and other species.

Getting a Commercial Tuna Fishing Permit Online

On a basic level, the fishing permits you and your crew will need can be determined by where you are planning to fish. If you are looking to catch tuna, chances are your business is based somewhere on the East Coast of the United States. Should you be accessing fisheries in the area within three nautical miles of the shore, you will want to apply for permits or licenses from your local state agency. More than likely, though, catching tuna will bring you out to federal waters, which are managed by the NOAA. To be a bit more precise, you will want to look at the NOAA’s permit and license offerings for the Atlantic region. Here you will find the Atlantic tuna longline commercial fishing permit, which will be most applicable to you. Longlining, in a nutshell, is the practice of dragging lines that can be miles-long in length, with hooks affixed every few feet.

Start Fishing ASAP

To get the permits you need, work with us at the Commercial Fishing Permits Center. We have online, fillable forms for a number of NOAA and state-level permits. To learn more about our services and how we can help your business, spend a few minutes browsing our navigation menu.