Do You Have the Right West Coast Commercial Fishing Permits?

If you are a commercial fisherman, you are no stranger to preparation. You understand that before heading out to sea–often for days at a time–you need to make sure that you have everything you need. That means checking the fuel and oil on your boat, keeping your life jackets and first aid kits stocked, and having enough supplies for you and your crew to get through difficult sea conditions. While all of those items and processes are important, so too is having the proper commercial fishing permits. In fact, when it comes to paperwork aboard your vessel, your permits and licenses are just as important as your boat’s registration.

While obtaining your permits may seem like a hassle, it is worth remembering that they do carry a certain utility. Federal permits, which are issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), serve to help protect our nation’s bountiful fisheries. As permits and quotas prevent overfishing and, to a degree, pollution, they do provide a valuable tool for conservation efforts. State-issued permits provide similar benefits, in addition to aiding in funding your local fish and wildlife departments. Read on to make sure you have the right commercial fishing licenses for the West Coast.

Why You Should Consider Fishing on the West Coast

In the United States, federal waters comprise the area from three to 200 nautical miles out from land. These waters are regulated by the NOAA. As you may be able to surmise, that is a lot of territory for one agency to monitor. To simplify things a bit, the NOAA does separate out its regions of jurisdiction. There are individual permit considerations for Alaska, the Atlantic, the South, the Pacific Islands, and the West Coast.

The West Coast, in particular, is a sizable region with a diverse array of in-demand fish. Additionally, in places like southern California, the hospitable weather can give this region a certain allure for commercial fishing operators. Of course, every region will have its specialties, such as New England lobster, or south coast shrimp, but the West Coast has a respectable volume of different offerings.

Knowing the Correct Commercial Fishing Permits for Your Business

So, you have decided that the West Coast is a logical home base for your business. How do you now decide which permits to obtain? Well, the simple answer is, that it depends on what you are looking to catch. As NOAA permits are typically species-specific, you should be able to clearly identify which permits you need by looking at the options available on our site. Maybe you need a groundfish or tuna permit? Perhaps you will be fishing for pelagic species, and need a license for that? By exploring our West Coast landing page, you can see a clear layout of your permit options.

Get Your Permits Online Today

At the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, we are a private service that helps fishermen like yourself in obtaining the NOAA permits they need online. Using our easy-to-fill web forms, you can apply for the permits you require in just a matter of moments. To learn more, visit our helpful Frequently Asked Questions page.