Atlantic Commercial Fishing Permits

Commercial fishing is tough work. Between long hours spent at sea and the inherent danger of fishing at a large scale, it is not a business for everyone. For those with a tough enough constitution, however, commercial fishing can be a big money maker. In the U.S. alone, commercial fishing annually clears more than $200 billion in sales. This industry also supports nearly 1.7 million jobs, making it a foundational element to the U.S. economy. If you are thinking about getting into the commercial or industrial fishing business, you are going to want to make sure you have the right Atlantic commercial fishing permits.

Commercial fishing permits are issued at both the state and federal level. Since commercial fishing is such a major industry, safety is important, and as such the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) implements and enforces a number of regulations. One aspect of this is the issuance of commercial fishing permits, which are delineated by region and by species.

Understanding Atlantic Commercial Fishing Permits

As a commercial fisherman, your permits are some of the more important pieces of documentation that you will want to keep on-board your vessel. In determining which permits you will need to seek out, a helpful starting point would be to figure out where you are fishing in the Atlantic region. As there are a number of valuable species in this area, you may find yourself fishing off the coasts of more than one state. If you are casting your lines within three nautical miles from shore, you will need to get state fishing permits. Anything between three to 200 nautical miles from land is generally federal territory, and that is where NOAA permits will be applicable. 

Once you have decided on a region where you will be doing your fishing, you will need to specify which species you will be fishing for. As different fish have different permits, you will likely need an assortment of licenses. Fortunately, at the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, we make it easy for you to get the permits you need online.

Permits Available in the Mid-Atlantic

The Mid-Atlantic region is a commercial fishing hotbed with great historical significance. As these are some of the oldest fisheries in the country, generations of commercial fishermen have accessed their bounty. You can fish for Bluefish, Dogfish, Mackerel, and Sea Bass in this area. Of course, the main draw is often Atlantic Tuna, which can demand a significant price on the open market. No matter what you are looking to catch in the Mid-Atlantic, you are going to want to make sure that you are carrying the correct permits.

New England Commercial Fishing Permits

Though there is some variation, New England has many of the same species as the Mid-Atlantic region, and it is also home to some popular fisheries. Maybe you are seeking to trap American Lobster off the coast of Maine? If so, we have an online application that you can use to obtain the permits you need. Take a moment to explore the New England section of our website–we offer one-stop shopping for all of your needs.

The Importance of Conservation

We get it: obtaining and renewing all of these permits can seem like a bureaucratic hassle. It may help to remember that while they are a minor inconvenience, commercial fishing permits to serve a valuable purpose. By tracking who is fishing what, the NOAA and state agencies can better enact their conservation efforts. After all, it is in your best interest to prevent overfishing in the fisheries that your livelihood depends on. Beyond that, conservation efforts now can mean better fishing opportunities for future generations to enjoy.

The NOAA also faces the significant task of maintaining U.S. Fisheries. Using a science-based approach in crafting regulations, and issuing permits, they make sure that our fisheries are sustainable and well-stocked to meet market demands. 

Get Your Fishing Permits Online at Our Site

If you are thinking about launching your commercial fishing business in the Atlantic region of the United States, make sure you do not leave the dock without the correct permits. While you can opt to get these directly from the NOAA via the mail, there is an easier solution. At the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, we have fishing permits for all regions and all states, so you can get everything you need on one convenient site.

Using our easy-to-navigate menu, you can quickly locate the permits you need. By completing our simplified online forms, you can process your applications in just minutes. You may find that by working with us you are freeing up more time to be on the water, which can give your bottom line a boost. If you would like to know more about our offerings, please contact one of our customer service agents today.