Do You Need a Tuna Federal Commercial Fishing License

Commercial fishing is one of the oldest industries in the United States. In fact, the simple act of catching and selling fish from our waters predates the origins of our country. In 2022, commercial and industrial fishing is still a massive industry, as global demand for fresh seafood keeps fishermen busy in U.S. fisheries. If you are considering getting into this line of work, and you are situated near the Atlantic Ocean, you may be thinking about making tuna your primary catch. If so, it makes sense–this large saltwater fish can command a high dollar on the open market. In order to start catching and selling tuna, you will need a tuna federal commercial fishing license, and at the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, we can help you get yours online.

As a career, commercial fishing is not for everyone. It is dangerous, hard work that even the most passionate hobby anglers are not necessarily cut out for. If you are in this elite company, however, you are going to want to stay on top of a few items before leaving the dock. First, make sure your equipment is well-maintained, and that you have ample supplies for navigating treacherous conditions. Having your paperwork in good order is also important–specifically, you will want to make sure that you are always carrying the proper state and federal commercial fishing permits. 

Understanding Tuna Federal Commercial Fishing Licenses

In the world of industrial fishing, there are a number of different modes employed to catch fish. There is, of course, the traditional rod and reel method, though that is somewhat limiting in terms of the volume of fish that you can haul in. In the interest of maximizing your catch, you might find that netting or longlining is more lucrative. Longlining, in particular, is very useful for catching tuna. This method of fishing involves casting a long line, sometimes miles in length, that has hooks every few feet. By dragging this behind your boat, you can snare tuna in high numbers.

If this is how you plan to fish, you will need to obtain what is called an Atlantic Tuna Longline Commercial Fishing Permit (Limited Access) from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). You should also note that this permission applies only to federal waters, which encompass the area from three to 200 nautical miles from shore. In some places, tuna can be caught closer to shore, which is considered to be state waters. If you are fishing in these spaces, you will want to consult with your state’s appropriate agency about obtaining the proper permits.

How to Obtain Your Fishing Permits Online

While tuna are abundant in the Atlantic, they are also native to the Pacific. If you are fishing off the coast of, say, Oregon, you will want to obtain the proper NOAA tuna permit for that region. No matter what type of license your business requires, the Commercial Fishing Permits Center can help. We have a host of streamlined, easy-to-fill web forms that you can use to get your permits online. To learn more, visit our FAQ page, or contact us by phone or email.