Commercial Fishing Permits For Hawaii

There is no getting around the red tape when it comes to commercial fishing in Hawaii. The state has strict regulations on who can and cannot fish commercially, what they can fish for, and how much they can fish. In order to get a commercial fishing permit, you need to meet all the requirements and get your application in before the deadline. Keep reading for information about different types of Hawaii fishing permits and where to find more details if you are interested in getting a commercial fishing permit in Hawaii.

General Commercial Permit for Hawaii

There are three main types of commercial fishing permits: general, restricted, and aquaculture. Each one has its own set of rules and criteria that must be met before applying. Details about each type are below so that you know exactly what hoops you will have to jump through before getting your commercial fishing permit in Hawaii.

The general commercial permit is the most basic commercial fishing permit in Hawaii. To qualify for this permit, you simply have to have a boat and be at least 18 years old. If you have a commercial fishing boat with a valid Hawaii vessel registration and a net or fish trap of at least 5 feet in diameter, you can apply for a general commercial permit. You do not need to be a resident of Hawaii to obtain a general commercial permit, and you can find the forms on our site. 

Restricted Commercial Permit

This commercial fishing permit is slightly more difficult to obtain and is intended for local Hawaii fishermen. The state wants to keep control of fishing in Hawaiian waters, so they limit the number of commercial boat permits that could be given out to non-residents. The requirements to obtain a restricted commercial permit are a bit more difficult than those for obtaining a general commercial permit. First, you must be a resident of Hawaii and have been so for at least 12 months. You also must have been employed for at least 5 months as a master or crew member on a commercial fishing boat.

How to Get a Commercial Fishing Permit in Hawaii

Once you have chosen the type of Hawaii commercial fishing permit you would like to apply for, you will need to do the following: Make sure you meet the requirements for the type of permit you want to apply for. Schedule an appointment with one of the offices that issue commercial fishing permits. You can usually do it in person by bringing all the required documentation and payment to your appointment. After filling out the forms by hand and submitting the correct information, the lengthy process can begin. There is, however, a faster and safer way to do it using our online forms at the Fishing Permits Center.

NOAA Fishing Permits

If you want to fish commercially outside of Hawaii, you will need a federal commercial fishing permit. These are issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). You can find more information about fishing permits and where to apply by visiting the Fishing Permits Center. In order to get a fishing permit, you will need to submit the appropriate application. This process can take several months, and you should start as soon as you decide you want to get a fishing permit in Hawaii. The state issues commercial fishing permits on a first-come, first-served basis.

Once You Get Your Commercial Fishing Permit in Hawaii,

Once you have your fishing permit in hand, you will have to follow strict rules and regulations. You will have to keep records of where and when you fish, how much you catch, and how much money you make. You will also have to pay taxes on your earnings. Your permit can and will be revoked if you break any of the rules or fail to follow the regulations. This means that you will lose your fishing permit in Hawaii and all the benefits that come with it. So, make sure you are well prepared before applying for a fishing permit in Hawaii. Once you have your commercial fishing permit, you can start earning money. This can be a great source of income and a fun way to earn a living. Be sure to follow all the rules, regulations, and restrictions to avoid having your permit revoked.

Easily Complete All The Forms You Need

We understand that no one wants to spend more time than necessary on commercial fishing permit paperwork, whether they’re going after regular fish in Hawaii or angling for any other species. That’s why we set up a streamlined online system for commercial fishermen to acquire all the necessary licenses and Hawaii commercial fishing permits. Visit our website or give us a call at (866) 292-4204 to find out more about our inventory in the Hawaii section and elsewhere.