Everything to Know About Georgia Commercial Fishing Permits

Georgia Commercial Fishing Permits

When it comes to locations for a commercial fishing operation, you would be hard-pressed to find an area better than Georgia. With its favorable climate and ample coastline, the Peach State is a popular destination for commercial and industrial fishermen. If you are considering getting into this particular line of work, or if you are relocating your business to Georgia, you will want to be sure that you have the proper Georgia commercial fishing permits. Just like any of the other 49 states, Georgia has its own specific rules and regulations pertaining to fishing, both for recreational and commercial purposes. By having a keen understanding of what your business needs, you can spend your time and energy where it belongs: out on the water.

As a commercial fisherman, you understand that preparation is fundamental to the success of your enterprise. Any time you leave the dock, you likely run through a thorough checklist to ensure that your boat is functioning properly and that you have everything you need. That means checking your engine maintenance, first-aid supplies, and any necessary documentation. Before you untie from the dock, you should do a thorough review of the validity of your commercial fishing permits.

Georgia Commercial Fishing Permits: Where to Get Started

If you are new to fishing in Georgia, you may be uncertain about where the road begins in acquiring your commercial licenses. Commercial fishing permits in the state of Georgia are issued by the Department of Natural Resources – Coastal Resources Division. This agency has the responsibility of monitoring and protecting Georgia’s fisheries, and as such, they issue a variety of different permits, licenses, and endorsements.

On a basic level, you will need to obtain a resident or non-resident commercial fishing license. This will give you an essential entry to access the state’s commercial fisheries. Beyond this, however, are a number of species-specific permits. For example, there are licenses for crab pots, cast net shrimp, and more.

Beyond State Permits: Getting Your Federal License

Depending on the aims of your commercial fishing business, and what you are seeking to catch, you may spend all of your time casting lines on state waters. In such an instance, state permits will suffice. If, however, you find yourself leaving the coastlines and entering federal waters, you will need to acquire the proper permits from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The NOAA is a federal agency that is tasked with monitoring and regulating United States Fisheries. For their part, the NOAA issues different federal commercial fishing permits for the following regions: Alaska, the Mid-Atlantic/New England, the South, the West Coast, and the Pacific Islands. If you are going to be basing your operation in Georgia, you will likely be getting your permits from the Mid-Atlantic and South regions.

Georgia Commercial Fishing Permits

All the Permits You Need on One Website

Whether your Georgia fishing business needs state permits or NOAA licenses, the Commercial Fishing Permits Center can help. We offer easy-to-fill online applications for all of the permits you need on one convenient website. If you would like to see it for yourself, take a moment or two to browse our website today.

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