Different Types of Commercial Fishing Permits in Washington State

Commercial Fishing Permits in Washington State

Fishing is one of the wonderful things that have a finger and can be done almost anywhere. In fact, with a fancy boat, a worn-out rod, and absolutely nothing to do in the afternoon, one can have a nice and delightful farewell with the sun by casting his line into the water and just admiring the scenery and the gentle sound of the water. Commercial fishing is a completely different facet of the story. The days are packed with work and the weather isn’t always fantastic, plus the work is hard—but, making money at industrial levels can, at the same time, be very satisfying.

Is fishing in a commercial way possible in every water body? The answer is “No.” The U.S., however, has a coastline measuring almost 100,000 miles, where the most significant part of fish habitats thrives. Washington State and Puget Sound are not an exception. If it has crossed your mind how to start a commercial fishing business in this area of the Pacific, then first off, you absolutely need to get the correct commercial fishing permits in Washington state.

Definitely, one of the big attractions to this line of work is the fact that you get to be outside and do the physical work. Still, not one of the fishermen would be happy if they wasted the valuable time of the hard work stuck in paperwork. The fact is, you will also need the proper licenses to simply operate in a legal manner and also be part of the effort to conserve Washington’s fisheries for future generations. The good news is? At the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, we simplify the process considerably by offering convenient online applications.

Washington State Commercial Fishing Permits

The Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is the agency that issues commercial fishing permits in Washington. Such permits are for any person who runs commercial lines or nets in the waters of the state, which extend from the shoreline to three nautical miles. The state provides both open entry and limited entry licenses, and the particular forms that you will need mainly depend on the species you want to catch. Individually, there are state-controlled licenses for salmon, herring, shellfish, and even sea cucumbers.

As your company develops, you may also need different things. Taking your business to the federal waters could be a part of your future plan. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) regulates the federal waters, i.e., those between three and 200 nautical miles from the shore. To keep things simple, NOAA divides its permits by region, and for Washington fishermen, the West Coast region is most relevant. Those permits issued by the federal government in this group are for ground fish, tuna, sablefish, and other migratory species that journey through the Pacific.

An Easier Way to Obtain Your Commercial Fishing Permits

Why do you spend so much time hunting for different applications within the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife or NOAA when there is a much easier way? At the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, we simplify the procedure for you to have a single secure online portal where you can submit your business every necessary permit. Our site is equipped with user-friendly web forms that are specifically tailored for fishermen who have limited time. Spend a few minutes going through our navigation menu and understanding how easy the process is. You can always contact our professional customer service team if you have any doubts during the process; they are just an email or a phone call away.