Are Commercial Fishing Permits Mandatory in NY?

Commercial fishing has a long, rich history in New York. In fact, since the 1700s, fishermen have been earning their living on the southern shores of Long Island. These waters are well-stocked with a number of valuable species, including eels, scallops, crabs, oysters, and more. If you are considering launching a commercial fishing operation in New York, you are going to want to make sure that you have the proper NY commercial fishing permits. These documents are just as instrumental to the success of your business as a properly outfitted boat and a seasoned crew.

Of course, with any government licensing matter there can be a confusing sea of paperwork. You may find yourself needing a number of different permits for both state and federal waters, which can mean spending large chunks of time toiling away on paperwork. Luckily, at the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, we have a host of online forms that can greatly streamline this process. Read on to learn more about New York fishing permits as well as how you can get yours online.

Having the Right Permits Is Key

In the state of New York, anyone engaging in commercial fishing operations is required to hold a commercial fishing license. Additionally, anyone over the age of 16 who is fishing for freshwater fish will require a basic fishing permit. These licenses and permits are issued by the New York Division of Marine Resources. The purposes of these license and permit requirements are two-fold: for one, they allow the management of commercial operations on state fisheries. Secondly, they generate revenue for the Division of Marine Resources.

In New York, as there are a wide array of species available for harvesting, there are an assortment of different permits. As an example, there are permits specifically for commercial lobster fishing, as well as licenses pertaining to blue scallops. 

If your fishing operation is bringing you out to federal waters, there are different fishing licenses that you will need to obtain. Federal commercial fishing licenses are issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These licenses are separated by region, with New York falling under the Atlantic distinction. Similarly to permits issued at the state levels, NOAA licenses are delineated by species and come in a variety of classifications. 

Get Your NY Commercial Fishing Permits Online

Whether you need NOAA permits, or a license issued from the New York Division of Marine Services, sifting through the applications can be complicated. As a commercial fisherman, your time is valuable, and you do not have hours to spare putting ink to paper and visiting the post office. With this in mind, why not get the permits you need online at a one-stop, convenient website?

By using our streamlined web forms, you can complete your commercial fishing license applications in a quick and efficient manner. We have a host of forms for commercial fishing permits in all 50 states, and we can help you obtain NOAA permits as well. If you would like to learn more, contact one of our customer service agents by phone or email today.