Frequently Asked Questions

If you have received your permit via email, please use your browser’s print function to print your permit.

It is important that you keep your permit information current. You may change your address through “Permit status tracking” or “Status, etc.”. After that you can download a new permit through “Permit status tracking” or “Status, etc.”. You may also speak to a Customer Service representative at (866) 292-4204 and provide your new address. You will have a permit with your updated address.

Changes in the permit category must be made when you renew the permit for the upcoming season. However, permit applicants are allowed to make a permit category changes within 45-calendar days of the date of issuance of the permit to correct any potential errors. If you find an error within 45-calendar days of the date of issuance please contact Customer Service at (866) 292-4204.

Yes, vessel owners/operators who recreationally fish for or retain regulated Atlantic tunas (bluefin, yellowfin, bigeye, albacore, and skipjack), sharks, swordfish, and billfish in Atlantic Federal waters, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, must obtain an HMS Angling category permit or a HMS Charter/Headboat permit. However, General category vessels may fish recreationally for HMS so long as they are participating in a registered recreational HMS tournament and fishing under tournament rules. Vessels fishing exclusively in state waters are required to obtain the HMS Angling permit if they wish to keep their regulated tunas (bluefin, yellowfin, bigeye, skipjack, and albacore). Vessel owners/operators should check their state regulations regarding the retention of sharks, swordfish, and/or billfish in state waters. Permit holders who recreationally fish for or retain sharks must also obtain a Shark Endorsement on their HMS permit.

General category vessels are allowed to participate in registered recreational HMS tournaments when fishing under tournament rules. When fishing for, retaining, possessing, or landing Atlantic tunas while participating in a tournament, General category vessels must comply with the Atlantic tunas General category regulations. When fishing for, retaining, or possessing sharks, swordfish, and/or billfish, General category vessels must comply with recreational regulations. It is incumbent upon the General category vessel owner/operator to verify that a tournament is registered with NOAA Fisheries.

Yes, owners/operators of vessels fishing commercially for Atlantic bluefin, bigeye, yellowfin, albacore, or skipjack tunas using a combination of rod and reel, harpoon, and/or handlines must obtain a General category permit. This permit is required in the Atlantic, which includes the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. This permit is required if fishing in Federal or State waters and because it is a commercial permit the U.S. Coast Guard Safety Gear Regulations will apply. Sale of tuna catch is permitted with this permit. Finally, if fishing is taking place in a registered recreational HMS fishing tournament only, this permit will also allow a vessel to recreationally fish for sharks, swordfish, and/or billfish.

Yes, owners/operators of vessels fishing recreationally, even catch and release, for Atlantic HMS (sharks, swordfish, billfish, and tunas) in the Atlantic, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, must obtain an HMS Angling category permit. This permit is for recreational fishing only, no sale of catch is permitted. This permit allows a vessel to participate in registered recreational HMS fishing.

Yes, owners/operators of charter/headboat vessels fishing for and/or retaining regulated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (Atlantic tunas, sharks, swordfish and billfish) in the Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, must obtain an Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) permit. To be eligible for this permit category there MUST be a licensed Coast Guard Captain onboard the vessel during ALL HMS Fishing activities regardless if they are commercial, recreational, or fee based in nature. This permit allows a vessel to fish both commercially for tunas and swordfish with a Commercial Sale Endorsement, and recreationally for HMS, although not on the same day. Only the sale of tuna and swordfish catch is permitted with this permit. This permit is required if fishing in Federal or State waters, and because it is a commercial permit when combined with a Commercial Sale Endorsement, the U.S. Coast Guard Safety Gear Regulations may apply. This permit will also allow a vessel to fish in registered recreational HMS fishing tournaments.

Yes, owner/operators of state registered and Coast Guard Documented vessels fishing for Atlantic bluefin, bigeye, yellowfin, albacore, or skipjack tuna in the Atlantic, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, must obtain a permit. Only one category may be assigned to a vessel per year. The permit categories are as follows: General category (commercial tuna); Charter/Headboat (commercial tuna and recreational HMS); Angling category (recreational HMS); Harpoon category (commercial tuna); Trap category (commercial tuna); Purse Seine category (limited access); Longline (limited access).

Yes, the owner or operator of a vessel of the United States must have the appropriate valid permit on board the vessel to fish for, take, retain, or possess Atlantic tunas, when engaged in commercial or recreational fishing. The vessel operator must make the permit available for inspection upon request by NMFS or a person authorized by NMFS.

Yes, the Atlantic tunas permit is a vessel permit rather than an individual or “angler” permit. A permit is not transferable or assignable to another vessel or owner; it is valid only for the vessel to which it has been assigned.

No, only permitted vessels may fish for Atlantic bluefin, bigeye, albacore, yellowfin, and skipjack tunas in the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean. If one of these species is caught incidentally during fishing activities from shore or from an oil rig, it must be released immediately.

Unlike many state permit programs, the permit fees go directly to the General Treasury and not to the managing agency (NMFS). The fee is set, in accordance with the procedures of the NOAA Finance Handbook, to recover the cost of administering the permit program, including maintenance of the public website and the toll-free phone system.

Please call the 24-hour NMFS Enforcement Hotline at (800) 853-1964. You may also call the U.S. Coast Guard Hotline at (800) SAVE-FISH. You do not need to give your name when you call.

No, if you have an HMS Angling category permit, you may not sell your catch. You must have a commercial fishing permit if you wish to sell your landings.

If you use longline gear to fish for tunas, you must also have swordfish and shark limited access permits. If you are applying for a commercial permit, note that your state may require a permit for sale of fish. Contact your state fisheries agency for further information.

Yes. You Can Get a Nonresident Commercial Fishing License 
Nonresidents of the state of California are able to apply for a commercial fishing license. 

There is an added fee for nonresidents. 

At Least a California Commercial Fishing License and Commercial Boat Registration 
You’ll need a California Commercial Fishing License as well as a Commercial Boat Registration. 

Additionally, depending on what you intend to fish, you may require other permits and licenses. 

Complete the California Commercial Fishing License Worksheet 
To apply for a fishing license in California, complete the Commercial Fishing License Worksheet at our site. 

You can select whether you are a resident or a non-resident of the state. 

This is the same form that you can choose to apply for Limited Entry Commercial Fishing Permits as well. 

Get Replacement Permit Cards Through Our “Request for Duplicate License” 
At our site, you can request a replacement permit card as well as a vessel license receipt, license sticker, and vessel triangle metal plate. 

1975
The earliest year fish ticket data is available is 1975. 

Through our site, you can request catch information for the years and permits that you have held. 

Use this link to find those particular Alaska fishing permits. 
Help With Alaska Commercial Fishing Permits and Much More 
Here at the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, we have a wide range of both federal and state Alaska commercial fishing permits as well as licenses. 

Each of these forms are protected by SSL encryption and optimized for simple completion on any device. Moreover, our forms aren’t just limited to one state or even region. You can find permits and licenses for your fishing operations no matter where they may be in the United States here at the Commercial Fishing Permits Center. 

The following laws may pertain to you and your fishing: 

679.4 Permits.

(a) Requirements. Only persons who are U.S. citizens are authorized to receive or hold permits under this section, with the exception that an IFQ hired master permit or a CDQ hired master permit need not be held by a U.S. citizen.

(2) Permit and logbook required by participant and fishery. For the various types of permits issued, refer to § 679.5 for recordkeeping and reporting requirements. For subsistence and GAF permits, refer to § 300.65 of this title for recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

(3) Permit application —

(i) Obtain and submit an application. A person may obtain an application for a new permit or for renewal or revision of an existing permit for any of the permits under this section and must submit forms to NMFS as instructed in application instructions. With appropriate software, all permit applications may be completed online and printed from the Alaska Region website at http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov.

(ii) Deficient application. Upon receipt of an incomplete or improperly completed permit application, the Program Administrator, RAM, will notify the applicant of the deficiency in the permit application. If the applicant fails to correct the deficiency, the permit will not be issued. No permit will be issued to an applicant until a complete application is received.

(iii) Separate permit. The operator, manager, Registered Buyer, or Registered Crab Receiver must obtain a separate permit for each applicant, facility, or vessel, as appropriate to each Federal permit in this section.

(iv) The information requested on the application must be typed or printed legibly.

(v) All permits are issued free of charge.

(4) [Reserved]

(5) Alteration. No person may alter, erase, mutilate, or forge any permit or document issued under this section. Any such permit or document that is intentionally altered, erased, mutilated, or forged is invalid.

(6) Disclosure. NMFS will maintain a list of permitted processors that may be disclosed for public inspection.

(7) Sanctions and denials. Procedures governing sanctions and denials are found at subpart D of 15 CFR part 904. Such procedures are required for enforcement purposes, not administrative purposes.

(8) Harvesting privilege. Quota shares, permits, or licenses issued pursuant to this part are neither a right to the resource nor any interest that is subject to the “takings” provision of the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Rather, such quota shares, permits, or licenses represent only a harvesting privilege that may be revoked or amended subject to the requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and other applicable law.

(9) Permit surrender.

(i) The Regional Administrator will recognize the voluntary surrender of a permit issued in this section, if a permit may be surrendered and if it is submitted by the person named on the permit, owner of record, or authorized representative.

(ii) Submit the original permit, except for an FFP or an FPP, to NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802. For surrender of an FFP and FPP, respectively, refer to paragraphs (b)(3)(ii) and (f)(3)(ii) of this section.

(iii) Objective written evidence is considered proof of a timely application. The responsibility remains with the sender to prove when the application to amend or to surrender a permit was received by NMFS (i.e., by certified mail or other method that provides written evidence that NMFS Alaska Region received it).

(iv) For applications delivered by hand delivery or carrier only, the receiving date of signature by NMFS staff is the date the application was received. If the application is submitted by fax or mail, the receiving date of the application is the date stamped received by NMFS.

(b) Federal fisheries permit (FFP) —

(1) Requirements.

(i) No vessel of the United States may be used to retain groundfish in the GOA or BSAI or engage in any fishery in the GOA or BSAI that requires retention of groundfish, unless the owner or authorized representative first obtains an FFP for the vessel, issued under this part. An FFP is issued without charge. Only persons who are U.S. citizens are authorized to receive or hold an FFP.

(ii) Each vessel within the GOA or BSAI that retains groundfish must have a legible copy of a valid FFP on board at all times.

(2) Vessel operations categories. An FFP authorizes a vessel owner or authorized representative to deploy a vessel to conduct operations in the GOA or BSAI under the following categories: Catcher vessel, catcher/processor, mothership, tender vessel, or support vessel. A vessel may not be operated in a category other than as specified on the FFP, except that a catcher vessel, catcher/processor, mothership, or tender vessel may be operated as a support vessel.

(3) Duration —

(i) Length of permit effectiveness. NMFS issues FFPs on a three-year cycle and an FFP is in effect from the effective date through the expiration date, as indicated on the FFP, unless the FFP is revoked, suspended, surrendered in accordance with paragraph (a)(9) of this section, or modified under § 600.735 or § 600.740 of this chapter.

(ii) Surrendered permit —

(A) An FFP may be voluntarily surrendered in accordance with paragraph (a)(9) of this section. Except as provided under paragraphs (b)(3)(ii)(B) and (C) of this section, if surrendered, an FFP may be reissued in the same fishing year in which it was surrendered.

(B) For the BSAI, NMFS will not reissue a surrendered FFP to the owner or authorized representative of a vessel named on an FFP that has been issued with endorsements for catcher/processor or catcher vessel operation type; trawl, pot, and/or hook-and-line gear type; and the BSAI area, until after the expiration date of the surrendered FFP as initially issued.

(C) For the GOA, NMFS will not reissue a surrendered FFP to the owner or authorized representative of a vessel named on an FFP that has been issued a GOA area endorsement and any combination of endorsements for catcher/processor operation type, catcher vessel operation type, trawl gear type, hook-and-line gear type, pot gear type, and/or jig gear type, until after the expiration date of the surrendered FFP.

(D) An owner or authorized representative, who applied for and received an FFP, must notify NMFS of the intention to surrender the FFP by submitting an FFP application found at the NMFS Web site at http://www.alaskafisheries.noaa.gov and indicating on the application that surrender of the permit is requested. Upon receipt and processing of an FFP surrender application, NMFS will withdraw the FFP from active status in the FFP data bases.

(iii) Amended permit —

(A) An owner or authorized representative who applied for and received an FFP, must notify NMFS of any change in the permit information by submitting an FFP application found at the NMFS Web site at http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov. The owner or authorized representative must submit the application form as instructed on the form. Except as provided under paragraphs (b)(3)(iii)(B) and (C) of this section, upon receipt and approval of an application form for permit amendment, NMFS will issue an amended FFP.

(B) In the BSAI, NMFS will not approve an application to amend an FFP to remove a catcher/processor or catcher vessel operation type endorsement, trawl gear type endorsement, pot gear type endorsement, hook-and-line gear type endorsement, or BSAI area endorsement from an FFP that has been issued with endorsements for catcher/processor or catcher vessel operation type, trawl, pot, or hook-and-line gear type, and the BSAI area.

(C) In the GOA, NMFS will not approve an application to amend an FFP to remove endorsements for catcher/processor operation type, catcher vessel operation type, trawl gear type, hook-and-line gear type, pot gear type, or jig gear type, and the GOA area.

(D) If the application for an amended FFP required under this section designates a change or addition of a vessel operations category or any other endorsement, a legible copy of the valid, amended FFP must be on board the vessel before the new or modified type of operation begins.

(E) Selections for species endorsements will remain valid until an FFP is amended to remove those endorsements or the FFP with these endorsements is surrendered or revoked.

(4) Submittal of application. NMFS will process a request for an FFP provided that the application form contains the information specified on the form, with all required fields accurately completed and all required documentation attached. This application form must be submitted to NMFS using the methods described on the form. The vessel owner must sign and date the application form certifying that all information is true, correct, and complete. If the owner is not an individual, the authorized representative must sign and date the application form. An application form for an FFP will be provided by NMFS or is available from NMFS Alaska Region Web site at http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov. The acceptable submittal methods will be described on the application form.

(5) Issuance.

(i) Except as provided in subpart D of 15 CFR part 904, upon receipt of a properly completed permit application, the Regional Administrator will issue an FFP required by this paragraph (b).

(ii) The Regional Administrator will send an FFP with the appropriate logbooks to the owner or authorized representative, as provided under § 679.5.

(iii) NMFS will reissue an FFP to the owner or authorized representative who holds an FFP issued for a vessel if that vessel is subject to sideboard provisions as described under § 679.82(d) through (f).

(iv) NMFS will reissue an FFP to the owner or authorized representative who holds an FFP issued to an Amendment 80 vessel.

(6) Transfer. An FFP issued under this paragraph (b) is not transferable or assignable and is valid only for the vessel for which it is issued.

(7) Inspection. A legible copy of a valid FFP issued under this paragraph (b) must be carried on board the vessel at all times operations are conducted under this type of permit and must be presented for inspection upon the request of any authorized officer.

(c) [Reserved]

(d) IFQ permits, IFQ hired master permits, and Registered Buyer permits. The permits described in this section are required in addition to the permit and licensing requirements prescribed in the annual management measures published in the Federal Register pursuant to § 300.62 of this title and in the permit requirements of this section.

(1) IFQ permit.

(i) An IFQ permit authorizes the person identified on the permit to harvest IFQ halibut or IFQ sablefish from a specified IFQ regulatory area at any time during an open fishing season during the fishing year for which the IFQ permit is issued until the amount harvested is equal to the amount specified under the permit, or until the permit is revoked, suspended, surrendered in accordance with paragraph (a)(9) of this section, or modified under 15 CFR part 904.

(ii) A legible copy of any IFQ permit that specifies the IFQ regulatory area and vessel length overall from which IFQ halibut or IFQ sablefish may be harvested by the IFQ permit holder must be carried on board the vessel used by the permitted person to harvest IFQ halibut or IFQ sablefish at all times that such fish are retained on board.

(iii) An IFQ permit may be voluntarily surrendered in accordance with paragraph (a)(9) of this section. An annual IFQ permit will not be reissued in the same fishing year in which it was surrendered, but a new annual IFQ permit may be issued to the quota share holder of record in a subsequent fishing year.

(iv) An RFQ permit account identifies the amount of RFQ authorized for use by charter vessel anglers in Area 2C or Area 3A. The number of pounds of RFQ allocated to the RFQ permit account will be added to the annual guided sport catch limit under the catch sharing plan (described at 50 CFR 300.65(c)) for the appropriate IFQ regulatory area, Area 2C or Area 3A.

It Can Refer to Commercial, Recreational, or Subsistence Fishing, Jobs, Seasons, and Laws
In the context of permits, licensing, and commercial fishing laws, “fishery” holds multiple meanings. 

It can describe the occupation or industry of catching fish. However, it can also mean the business operations related to harvesting fish or the geographic area of the ocean where fish are caught. 

It’s possible that it could even include the specific season during which fishing takes place. 

“Fishery” can refer to commercial fishing, yes, but also recreational or even subsistence fishing, too. 

At the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, we make it easier for you to access the permits and licenses required to operate within the industry. 

Use this link for our federal fishing permits. 

We also offer access to state permits and licenses as well. 
Support With State and Federal Fishing Permits 
All of our forms are safeguarded with SSL encryption and designed for easy use across any device. Furthermore, our services extend beyond individual states or regions. At the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, you’ll find permits and licenses tailored to fishing operations across the United States.

The following regulations may apply to your fishing activities:

.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 1992 AMENDMENTS Pub. L. 102–587, title III, §3001, Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 5059, provided that: ‘‘This title [enacting subchapter V of this chapter, amending sections 1362, 1372, 1379, and 1382 of this title and section 183c of Title 46, Appendix, Shipping, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 1421 and 1421a of this title] may be cited as the ‘Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Act’.’’ Pub. L. 102–523, §1, Oct. 26, 1992, 106 Stat. 3425, provided that: ‘‘This Act [enacting subchapter IV of this chapter and amending sections 952, 953, 973r, and 1362 of this title] may be cited as the ‘International Dolphin Conservation Act of 1992’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 1988 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 100–711, §1, Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4755, provided: ‘‘That this Act [enacting sections 1383a and 1383b of this title, amending sections 1166, 1371, 1372, 1374, 1378 to 1380, 1384, 1402, and 1407 of this title and section 1978 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse, enacting provisions set out as a note under this section, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 1384 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Marine Mammal Protection Act Amendments of 1988’.’’ SHORT TITLE Pub. L. 92–522, §1, Oct. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 1027, provided in part that: ‘‘This Act [enacting this chapter] may be cited as the ‘Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972’.’’ REGULATIONS Pub. L. 103–238, §15(b), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 559, provided that: ‘‘Except as provided otherwise in this Act [see Short Title of 1994 Amendment note above], or the amendments to the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) made by this Act, the Secretary of Commerce or the Secretary of the Interior, as appropriate, shall, after notice and opportunity for public comment, promulgate regulations to implement this Act and the amendments made by this Act by January 1, 1995.’’ PURPOSES AND FINDINGS Pub. L. 105–42, §2, Aug. 15, 1997, 111 Stat. 1122, provided that: ‘‘(a) PURPOSES.—The purposes of this Act [see Short Title of 1997 Amendment note above] are— ‘‘(1) to give effect to the Declaration of Panama, signed October 4, 1995, by the Governments of Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, France, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Spain, the United States of America, Vanuatu, and Venezuela, including the establishment of the International Dolphin Conservation Program, relating to the protection of dolphins and other species, and the conservation and management of tuna in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean; ‘‘(2) to recognize that nations fishing for tuna in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean have achieved significant reductions in dolphin mortality associated with that fishery; and ‘‘(3) to eliminate the ban on imports of tuna from those nations that are in compliance with the International Dolphin Conservation Program. ‘‘(b) FINDINGS.—The Congress finds that— ‘‘(1) the nations that fish for tuna in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean have achieved significant reductions in dolphin mortality associated with the purse seine fishery from hundreds of thousands annually to fewer than 5,000 annually; ‘‘(2) the provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 [16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.] that impose a ban on imports from nations that fish for tuna in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean have served as an incentive to reduce dolphin mortalities; ‘‘(3) tuna canners and processors of the United States have led the canning and processing industry in promoting a dolphin-safe tuna market; and ‘‘(4) 12 signatory nations to the Declaration of Panama, including the United States, agreed under that Declaration to require that the total annual dolphin mortality in the purse seine fishery for yellowfin tuna in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean not exceed 5,000 animals, with the objective of progressively reducing dolphin mortality to a level approaching zero through the setting of annual limits and with the goal of eliminating dolphin mortality.’’ RELATIONSHIP OF MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT AMENDMENTS OF 1994 TO OTHER LAW Pub. L. 103–238, §2(b), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 532, provided that: ‘‘Except as otherwise expressly provided, nothing in this Act [see Short Title of 1994 Amendment note above] is intended to amend, repeal, or otherwise affect any other provision of law.’’ INDIAN TREATY RIGHTS; ALASKA NATIVE SUBSISTENCE Pub. L. 103–238, §14, Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 558, provided that: ‘‘Nothing in this Act [see Short Title of 1994 Amendment note above], including any amendments to the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 [16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.] made by this Act— ‘‘(1) alters or is intended to alter any treaty between the United States and one or more Indian tribes; or ‘‘(2) affects or otherwise modifies the provisions of section 101(b) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1371(b)), except as specifically provided in the amendment made by section 4(b) of this Act [amending section 1371 of this title].’’ STUDY ON EFFECTS OF DOLPHIN FEEDING Pub. L. 102–567, title III, §306, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4284, directed Secretary of Commerce to conduct a study in the eastern Gulf of Mexico on the effects of § 1362 TITLE 16—CONSERVATION Page 1614 feeding of noncaptive dolphins by human beings, such study to be designed to detect any behavior or diet modification resulting from this feeding and to identify the effects, if any, of these modifications on the health and well-being of the dolphins, directed Secretary to consult with National Academy of Sciences and Marine Mammal Commission in design and conduct of the study, and directed Secretary, within 18 months after Oct. 29, 1992, to submit to Congress a report on results of the study. STUDY ON MORTALITY OF ATLANTIC DOLPHIN Pub. L. 100–711, §7, Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4771, directed Secretary of Commerce to conduct a study regarding east coast epidemic during 1987 and 1988 which caused substantial mortality within North Atlantic coastal population of Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphin, such study to examine (1) cause or causes of epidemic, (2) effect of epidemic on coastal and offshore populations of Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphin, (3) extent to which pollution may have contributed to epidemic, (4) whether other species and populations of marine mammals were affected by those factors which contributed to epidemic, and (5) any other matters pertaining to causes and effects of epidemic, with Secretary to submit on or before Jan. 1, 1989, to Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries of the House of Representatives a plan for conducting the study. INTERNATIONAL DISCUSSION TO ADVANCE UNDERSTANDING OF CETACEAN LIFE Pub. L. 95–426, title VI, §602, Oct. 7, 1978, 92 Stat. 985, provided that: ‘‘It is the sense of the Congress that the President should convey to all countries having an interest in cetacean sea life the serious concern of the Congress regarding the continuing destruction of these marine mammals (highlighted by the recent slaughter of dolphins in the Sea of Japan by Japanese fishermen) and should encourage such countries— ‘‘(1) to join in international discussions with other such countries in order to advance general understanding of cetacean life and thereby facilitate an effective use of the living marine resources of the world which does not jeopardize the natural balance of the aquatic environment; ‘‘(2) to participate in an exchange of information with the National Marine Fisheries Service of the United States Department of Commerce, including cooperation in studies of— ‘‘(A) the impact of cetaceans on ecologically related human foodstuffs, and ‘‘(B) alternative methods of dealing with cetacean problems as they occur; ‘‘(3) to cooperate in establishing an international cetacean commission to advance understanding of cetacean life and to insure the effective conservation and protection of cetaceans on a global scale; and ‘‘(4) to adopt comprehensive marine mammal protection legislation.’’ § 1362. Definitions For the purposes of this chapter— (1) The term ‘‘depletion’’ or ‘‘depleted’’ means any case in which— (A) the Secretary, after consultation with the Marine Mammal Commission and the Committee of Scientific Advisors on Marine Mammals established under subchapter III of this chapter, determines that a species or population stock is below its optimum sustainable population; (B) a State, to which authority for the conservation and management of a species or population stock is transferred under section 1379 of this title, determines that such species or stock is below its optimum sustainable population; or (C) a species or population stock is listed as an endangered species or a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 [16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.]. (2) The terms ‘‘conservation’’ and ‘‘management’’ mean the collection and application of biological information for the purposes of increasing and maintaining the number of animals within species and populations of marine mammals at their optimum sustainable population. Such terms include the entire scope of activities that constitute a modern scientific resource program, including, but not limited to, research, census, law enforcement, and habitat acquisition and improvement. Also included within these terms, when and where appropriate, is the periodic or total protection of species or populations as well as regulated taking. (3) The term ‘‘district court of the United States’’ includes the District Court of Guam, District Court of the Virgin Islands, District Court of Puerto Rico, District Court of the Canal Zone, and, in the case of American Samoa and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the District Court of the United States for the District of Hawaii. (4) The term ‘‘humane’’ in the context of the taking of a marine mammal means that method of taking which involves the least possible degree of pain and suffering practicable to the mammal involved. (5) The term ‘‘intermediary nation’’ means a nation that exports yellowfin tuna or yellowfin tuna products to the United States and that imports yellowfin tuna or yellowfin tuna products that are subject to a direct ban on importation into the United States pursuant to section 1371(a)(2)(B) of this title. (6) The term ‘‘marine mammal’’ means any mammal which (A) is morphologically adapted to the marine environment (including sea otters and members of the orders Sirenia, Pinnipedia and Cetacea), or (B) primarily inhabits the marine environment (such as the polar bear); and, for the purposes of this chapter, includes any part of any such marine mammal, including its raw, dressed, or dyed fur or skin. (7) The term ‘‘marine mammal product’’ means any item of merchandise which consists, or is composed in whole or in part, of any marine mammal. (8) The term ‘‘moratorium’’ means a complete cessation of the taking of marine mammals and a complete ban on the importation into the United States of marine mammals and marine mammal products, except as provided in this chapter. (9) The term ‘‘optimum sustainable population’’ means, with respect to any population stock, the number of animals which will result in the maximum productivity of the population or the species, keeping in mind the carrying capacity of the habitat and the health of the ecosystem of which they form a constituent element. (10) The term ‘‘person’’ includes (A) any private person or entity, and (B) any officer, employee, agent, department, or instrumentality of the Federal Government, of any State or politi-

Use the “Vessel License Change Information Form” at Our Site.  
With this form, you can add or change licensing information for your boat that is already licensed for this year. 

You can only make changes for vessels that are licensed for the current year. 

This means you cannot make changes to a vessel that’s licensed for a different year, and so forth. 

You can make the changes through this form to your Alaska commercial fishing license. 
Assistance With Alaska Commercial Fishing Permits and Beyond
At the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, we offer a comprehensive selection of federal and state permits and licenses for Alaska commercial fishing.

Our forms are SSL encrypted and streamlined for seamless completion on any device. Moreover, we offer resources that are not restricted by state or regional boundaries. The Commercial Fishing Permits Center ensures you can access permits and licenses for fishing operations anywhere in the U.S.

The laws below may be applicable to your fishing activities:

STUDY ON EFFECTS OF DOLPHIN FEEDING Pub. L. 102–567, title III, §306, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4284, directed Secretary of Commerce to conduct a study in the eastern Gulf of Mexico on the effects of § 1362 TITLE 16—CONSERVATION Page 1614 feeding of noncaptive dolphins by human beings, such study to be designed to detect any behavior or diet modification resulting from this feeding and to identify the effects, if any, of these modifications on the health and well-being of the dolphins, directed Secretary to consult with National Academy of Sciences and Marine Mammal Commission in design and conduct of the study, and directed Secretary, within 18 months after Oct. 29, 1992, to submit to Congress a report on results of the study. STUDY ON MORTALITY OF ATLANTIC DOLPHIN Pub. L. 100–711, §7, Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4771, directed Secretary of Commerce to conduct a study regarding east coast epidemic during 1987 and 1988 which caused substantial mortality within North Atlantic coastal population of Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphin, such study to examine (1) cause or causes of epidemic, (2) effect of epidemic on coastal and offshore populations of Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphin, (3) extent to which pollution may have contributed to epidemic, (4) whether other species and populations of marine mammals were affected by those factors which contributed to epidemic, and (5) any other matters pertaining to causes and effects of epidemic, with Secretary to submit on or before Jan. 1, 1989, to Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries of the House of Representatives a plan for conducting the study. INTERNATIONAL DISCUSSION TO ADVANCE UNDERSTANDING OF CETACEAN LIFE Pub. L. 95–426, title VI, §602, Oct. 7, 1978, 92 Stat. 985, provided that: ‘‘It is the sense of the Congress that the President should convey to all countries having an interest in cetacean sea life the serious concern of the Congress regarding the continuing destruction of these marine mammals (highlighted by the recent slaughter of dolphins in the Sea of Japan by Japanese fishermen) and should encourage such countries— ‘‘(1) to join in international discussions with other such countries in order to advance general understanding of cetacean life and thereby facilitate an effective use of the living marine resources of the world which does not jeopardize the natural balance of the aquatic environment; ‘‘(2) to participate in an exchange of information with the National Marine Fisheries Service of the United States Department of Commerce, including cooperation in studies of— ‘‘(A) the impact of cetaceans on ecologically related human foodstuffs, and ‘‘(B) alternative methods of dealing with cetacean problems as they occur; ‘‘(3) to cooperate in establishing an international cetacean commission to advance understanding of cetacean life and to insure the effective conservation and protection of cetaceans on a global scale; and ‘‘(4) to adopt comprehensive marine mammal protection legislation.’’ § 1362. Definitions For the purposes of this chapter— (1) The term ‘‘depletion’’ or ‘‘depleted’’ means any case in which— (A) the Secretary, after consultation with the Marine Mammal Commission and the Committee of Scientific Advisors on Marine Mammals established under subchapter III of this chapter, determines that a species or population stock is below its optimum sustainable population; (B) a State, to which authority for the conservation and management of a species or population stock is transferred under section 1379 of this title, determines that such species or stock is below its optimum sustainable population; or (C) a species or population stock is listed as an endangered species or a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 [16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.]. (2) The terms ‘‘conservation’’ and ‘‘management’’ mean the collection and application of biological information for the purposes of increasing and maintaining the number of animals within species and populations of marine mammals at their optimum sustainable population. Such terms include the entire scope of activities that constitute a modern scientific resource program, including, but not limited to, research, census, law enforcement, and habitat acquisition and improvement. Also included within these terms, when and where appropriate, is the periodic or total protection of species or populations as well as regulated taking. (3) The term ‘‘district court of the United States’’ includes the District Court of Guam, District Court of the Virgin Islands, District Court of Puerto Rico, District Court of the Canal Zone, and, in the case of American Samoa and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the District Court of the United States for the District of Hawaii. (4) The term ‘‘humane’’ in the context of the taking of a marine mammal means that method of taking which involves the least possible degree of pain and suffering practicable to the mammal involved. (5) The term ‘‘intermediary nation’’ means a nation that exports yellowfin tuna or yellowfin tuna products to the United States and that imports yellowfin tuna or yellowfin tuna products that are subject to a direct ban on importation into the United States pursuant to section 1371(a)(2)(B) of this title. (6) The term ‘‘marine mammal’’ means any mammal which (A) is morphologically adapted to the marine environment (including sea otters and members of the orders Sirenia, Pinnipedia and Cetacea), or (B) primarily inhabits the marine environment (such as the polar bear); and, for the purposes of this chapter, includes any part of any such marine mammal, including its raw, dressed, or dyed fur or skin. (7) The term ‘‘marine mammal product’’ means any item of merchandise which consists, or is composed in whole or in part, of any marine mammal. (8) The term ‘‘moratorium’’ means a complete cessation of the taking of marine mammals and a complete ban on the importation into the United States of marine mammals and marine mammal products, except as provided in this chapter. (9) The term ‘‘optimum sustainable population’’ means, with respect to any population stock, the number of animals which will result in the maximum productivity of the population or the species, keeping in mind the carrying capacity of the habitat and the health of the ecosystem of which they form a constituent element. (10) The term ‘‘person’’ includes (A) any private person or entity, and (B) any officer, employee, agent, department, or instrumentality of the Federal Government, of any State or politic. 

1361 TITLE 16—CONSERVATION Page 1612 Sec. 1384. Authorization of appropriations. 1385. Dolphin protection. 1386. Stock assessments. 1387. Taking of marine mammals incidental to commercial fishing operations. 1388. Marine mammal cooperative agreements in Alaska. 1389. Pacific Coast Task Force; Gulf of Maine. SUBCHAPTER III—MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION 1401. Establishment. 1402. Duties of Commission. 1403. Committee of Scientific Advisors on Marine Mammals. 1404. Omitted. 1405. Coordination with other Federal agencies. 1406. Administration. 1407. Authorization of appropriations. SUBCHAPTER IV—INTERNATIONAL DOLPHIN CONSERVATION PROGRAM 1411. Findings and policy. 1412. International Dolphin Conservation Program. 1413. Regulatory authority of Secretary. 1414. Repealed. 1414a. Research. 1415. Reports by Secretary. 1416. Permits. 1417. Prohibitions. 1418. Repealed. SUBCHAPTER V—MARINE MAMMAL HEALTH AND STRANDING RESPONSE 1421. Establishment of Program. 1421a. Determination; data collection and dissemination. 1421b. Stranding response agreements. 1421c. Unusual mortality event response. 1421d. Unusual mortality event activity funding. 1421e. Liability. 1421f. National Marine Mammal Tissue Bank and tissue analysis. 1421f–1. John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program. 1421g. Authorization of appropriations. 1421h. Definitions. SUBCHAPTER VI—POLAR BEARS 1423. Definitions. 1423a. Prohibitions. 1423b. Administration. 1423c. Cooperative management agreement; authority to delegate enforcement authority. 1423d. Commission appointments; compensation, travel expenses, and claims. 1423e. Votes taken by the United States section on matters before the Commission. 1423f. Implementation of actions taken by the Commission. 1423g. Application with other subchapters of chapter. 1423h. Authorization of appropriations. SUBCHAPTER I—GENERALLY § 1361. Congressional findings and declaration of policy The Congress finds that— (1) certain species and population stocks of marine mammals are, or may be, in danger of extinction or depletion as a result of man’s activities; (2) such species and population stocks should not be permitted to diminish beyond the point at which they cease to be a significant functioning element in the ecosystem of which they are a part, and, consistent with this major objective, they should not be permitted to diminish below their optimum sustainable population. Further measures should be immediately taken to replenish any species or population stock which has already diminished below that population. In particular, efforts should be made to protect essential habitats, including the rookeries, mating grounds, and areas of similar significance for each species of marine mammal from the adverse effect of man’s actions; (3) there is inadequate knowledge of the ecology and population dynamics of such marine mammals and of the factors which bear upon their ability to reproduce themselves successfully; (4) negotiations should be undertaken immediately to encourage the development of international arrangements for research on, and conservation of, all marine mammals; (5) marine mammals and marine mammal products either— (A) move in interstate commerce, or (B) affect the balance of marine ecosystems in a manner which is important to other animals and animal products which move in interstate commerce, and that the protection and conservation of marine mammals and their habitats is therefore necessary to insure the continuing availability of those products which move in interstate commerce; and (6) marine mammals have proven themselves to be resources of great international significance, esthetic and recreational as well as economic, and it is the sense of the Congress that they should be protected and encouraged to develop to the greatest extent feasible commensurate with sound policies of resource management and that the primary objective of their management should be to maintain the health and stability of the marine ecosystem. Whenever consistent with this primary objective, it should be the goal to obtain an optimum sustainable population keeping in mind the carrying capacity of the habitat. (Pub. L. 92–522, §2, Oct. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 1027; Pub. L. 97–58, §1(b)(1), Oct. 9, 1981, 95 Stat. 979; Pub. L. 103–238, §3, Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 532.) AMENDMENTS 1994—Par. (2). Pub. L. 103–238, §3(1), inserted ‘‘essential habitats, including’’ after ‘‘made to protect’’. Par. (5). Pub. L. 103–238, §3(2), inserted ‘‘and their habitats’’ before ‘‘is therefore necessary’’ in concluding provisions. 1981—Par. (6). Pub. L. 97–58 substituted ‘‘carrying capacity’’ for ‘‘optimum carrying capacity’’. EFFECTIVE DATE Pub. L. 92–522, §4, Oct. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 1029, provided that: ‘‘The provisions of this Act [enacting this chapter] shall take effect upon the expiration of the sixtyday period following the date of its enactment [Oct. 21, 1972].’’ SHORT TITLE OF 2007 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 109–479, title IX, §901, Jan. 12, 2007, 120 Stat. 3660, provided that: ‘‘This title [enacting subchapter VI of this chapter and amending section 1377 of this title] may be cited as the ‘United States-Russia Polar Bear Conservation and Management Act of 2006’.’’ Page 1613 TITLE 16—CONSERVATION § 1361 SHORT TITLE OF 2000 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 106–555, §1, Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2765, provided that: ‘‘This Act [enacting section 1421f–1 of this title, amending sections 1362, 1421g, 1421h, 1433, 1434, 5101 to 5103, 5106, 5107a to 5108, and 5156 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 917a, 1433, 5101, and 5107 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 1855 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Striped Bass Conservation, Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Management, and Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Act of 2000’.’’ Pub. L. 106–555, title II, §201, Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2767, provided that: ‘‘This title [enacting section 1421f–1 of this title, amending sections 1362, 1421g, 1421h, 1433, and 1434 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 917a and 1433 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 1855 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Act of 2000’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 1997 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 105–42, §1(a), Aug. 15, 1997, 111 Stat. 1122, provided that: ‘‘This Act [enacting sections 962, 1412, 1413, 1414a to 1416 of this title, amending sections 952, 953, 1362, 1371, 1374, 1378, 1380, 1385, 1411, and 1417 of this title, repealing sections 1412 to 1416 and 1418 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 1362 of this title] may be cited as the ‘International Dolphin Conservation Program Act’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 1994 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 103–238, §1, Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 532, provided that: ‘‘This Act [enacting sections 1386 to 1389 of this title, amending this section and sections 1362, 1371, 1372, 1374, 1375, 1379, 1380, 1382 to 1384, 1407, 1421 to 1421h, and 4107 of this title, repealing sections 1384 and 1407 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1362, 1374, 1538, and 1539 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Marine Mammal Protection Act Amendments of 1994

Sustaining, Protecting, and Growing the Domestic Seafood Supply Among Other Goals 
Under U.S. law, NOAA Fisheries manages marine fisheries within the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ). 

Individual states are generally responsible for managing fisheries from their shorelines out to three miles. These measures are designed to ensure the sustainable management of fisheries within the EEZ.

Fisheries management is designed to sustain, protect, and increase the domestic seafood supply. Additionally, it’s to create jobs, support related economic and social benefits, and sustain community resilience as well as protecting ecosystem health/sustainability. 

Achieving these goals requires maintaining fish populations above a certain threshold (not overfished) and ensuring harvest rates allow for the maximum sustainable yield (no overfishing). 

Overfishing and overfished numbers are near record lows, and 50 fish stocks have been successfully rebuilt since 2000.

Through a science-based fisheries management process, significant progress has been made in ending overfishing and rebuilding fish stocks. 

The Commercial Fishing Permits Center emphasizes that these ongoing efforts are critical to preserving the health and productivity of U.S. fisheries for future generations.

We can help with acquiring the permits and licences that you may need. 

Use this link to see our list of federal fisheries permits. 
Beyond Just State and Federal Fisheries Permit Help 
Each form is secured with SSL encryption and built for effortless completion on any device. Additionally, our offerings are not confined to specific states or regions. The Commercial Fishing Permits Center provides access to permits and licenses for fishing operations nationwide.

These laws may be relevant to your fishing endeavors:

1361 TITLE 16—CONSERVATION Page 1612 Sec. 1384. Authorization of appropriations. 1385. Dolphin protection. 1386. Stock assessments. 1387. Taking of marine mammals incidental to commercial fishing operations. 1388. Marine mammal cooperative agreements in Alaska. 1389. Pacific Coast Task Force; Gulf of Maine. SUBCHAPTER III—MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION 1401. Establishment. 1402. Duties of Commission. 1403. Committee of Scientific Advisors on Marine Mammals. 1404. Omitted. 1405. Coordination with other Federal agencies. 1406. Administration. 1407. Authorization of appropriations. SUBCHAPTER IV—INTERNATIONAL DOLPHIN CONSERVATION PROGRAM 1411. Findings and policy. 1412. International Dolphin Conservation Program. 1413. Regulatory authority of Secretary. 1414. Repealed. 1414a. Research. 1415. Reports by Secretary. 1416. Permits. 1417. Prohibitions. 1418. Repealed. SUBCHAPTER V—MARINE MAMMAL HEALTH AND STRANDING RESPONSE 1421. Establishment of Program. 1421a. Determination; data collection and dissemination. 1421b. Stranding response agreements. 1421c. Unusual mortality event response. 1421d. Unusual mortality event activity funding. 1421e. Liability. 1421f. National Marine Mammal Tissue Bank and tissue analysis. 1421f–1. John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program. 1421g. Authorization of appropriations. 1421h. Definitions. SUBCHAPTER VI—POLAR BEARS 1423. Definitions. 1423a. Prohibitions. 1423b. Administration. 1423c. Cooperative management agreement; authority to delegate enforcement authority. 1423d. Commission appointments; compensation, travel expenses, and claims. 1423e. Votes taken by the United States section on matters before the Commission. 1423f. Implementation of actions taken by the Commission. 1423g. Application with other subchapters of chapter. 1423h. Authorization of appropriations. SUBCHAPTER I—GENERALLY § 1361. Congressional findings and declaration of policy The Congress finds that— (1) certain species and population stocks of marine mammals are, or may be, in danger of extinction or depletion as a result of man’s activities; (2) such species and population stocks should not be permitted to diminish beyond the point at which they cease to be a significant functioning element in the ecosystem of which they are a part, and, consistent with this major objective, they should not be permitted to diminish below their optimum sustainable population. Further measures should be immediately taken to replenish any species or population stock which has already diminished below that population. In particular, efforts should be made to protect essential habitats, including the rookeries, mating grounds, and areas of similar significance for each species of marine mammal from the adverse effect of man’s actions; (3) there is inadequate knowledge of the ecology and population dynamics of such marine mammals and of the factors which bear upon their ability to reproduce themselves successfully; (4) negotiations should be undertaken immediately to encourage the development of international arrangements for research on, and conservation of, all marine mammals; (5) marine mammals and marine mammal products either— (A) move in interstate commerce, or (B) affect the balance of marine ecosystems in a manner which is important to other animals and animal products which move in interstate commerce, and that the protection and conservation of marine mammals and their habitats is therefore necessary to insure the continuing availability of those products which move in interstate commerce; and (6) marine mammals have proven themselves to be resources of great international significance, esthetic and recreational as well as economic, and it is the sense of the Congress that they should be protected and encouraged to develop to the greatest extent feasible commensurate with sound policies of resource management and that the primary objective of their management should be to maintain the health and stability of the marine ecosystem. Whenever consistent with this primary objective, it should be the goal to obtain an optimum sustainable population keeping in mind the carrying capacity of the habitat. (Pub. L. 92–522, §2, Oct. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 1027; Pub. L. 97–58, §1(b)(1), Oct. 9, 1981, 95 Stat. 979; Pub. L. 103–238, §3, Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 532.) AMENDMENTS 1994—Par. (2). Pub. L. 103–238, §3(1), inserted ‘‘essential habitats, including’’ after ‘‘made to protect’’. Par. (5). Pub. L. 103–238, §3(2), inserted ‘‘and their habitats’’ before ‘‘is therefore necessary’’ in concluding provisions. 1981—Par. (6). Pub. L. 97–58 substituted ‘‘carrying capacity’’ for ‘‘optimum carrying capacity’’. EFFECTIVE DATE Pub. L. 92–522, §4, Oct. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 1029, provided that: ‘‘The provisions of this Act [enacting this chapter] shall take effect upon the expiration of the sixtyday period following the date of its enactment [Oct. 21, 1972].’’ SHORT TITLE OF 2007 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 109–479, title IX, §901, Jan. 12, 2007, 120 Stat. 3660, provided that: ‘‘This title [enacting subchapter VI of this chapter and amending section 1377 of this title] may be cited as the ‘United States-Russia Polar Bear Conservation and Management Act of 2006’.’’ Page 1613 TITLE 16—CONSERVATION § 1361 SHORT TITLE OF 2000 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 106–555, §1, Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2765, provided that: ‘‘This Act [enacting section 1421f–1 of this title, amending sections 1362, 1421g, 1421h, 1433, 1434, 5101 to 5103, 5106, 5107a to 5108, and 5156 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 917a, 1433, 5101, and 5107 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 1855 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Striped Bass Conservation, Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Management, and Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Act of 2000’.’’ Pub. L. 106–555, title II, §201, Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2767, provided that: ‘‘This title [enacting section 1421f–1 of this title, amending sections 1362, 1421g, 1421h, 1433, and 1434 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 917a and 1433 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 1855 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Act of 2000’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 1997 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 105–42, §1(a), Aug. 15, 1997, 111 Stat. 1122, provided that: ‘‘This Act [enacting sections 962, 1412, 1413, 1414a to 1416 of this title, amending sections 952, 953, 1362, 1371, 1374, 1378, 1380, 1385, 1411, and 1417 of this title, repealing sections 1412 to 1416 and 1418 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 1362 of this title] may be cited as the ‘International Dolphin Conservation Program Act’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 1994 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 103–238, §1, Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 532, provided that: ‘‘This Act [enacting sections 1386 to 1389 of this title, amending this section and sections 1362, 1371, 1372, 1374, 1375, 1379, 1380, 1382 to 1384, 1407, 1421 to 1421h, and 4107 of this title, repealing sections 1384 and 1407 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1362, 1374, 1538, and 1539 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Marine Mammal Protection Act Amendments of 1994’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 1992 AMENDMENTS Pub. L. 102–587, title III, §3001, Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 5059, provided that: ‘‘This title [enacting subchapter V of this chapter, amending sections 1362, 1372, 1379, and 1382 of this title and section 183c of Title 46, Appendix, Shipping, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 1421 and 1421a of this title] may be cited as the ‘Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Act’.’’ Pub. L. 102–523, §1, Oct. 26, 1992, 106 Stat. 3425, provided that: ‘‘This Act [enacting subchapter IV of this chapter and amending sections 952, 953, 973r, and 1362 of this title] may be cited as the ‘International Dolphin Conservation Act of 1992’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 1988 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 100–711, §1, Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4755, provided: ‘‘That this Act [enacting sections 1383a and 1383b of this title, amending sections 1166, 1371, 1372, 1374, 1378 to 1380, 1384, 1402, and 1407 of this title and section 1978 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse, enacting provisions set out as a note under this section, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 1384 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Marine Mammal Protection Act Amendments of 1988’.’’ SHORT TITLE Pub. L. 92–522, §1, Oct. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 1027, provided in part that: ‘‘This Act [enacting this chapter] may be cited as the ‘Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972’.’’ REGULATIONS Pub. L. 103–238, §15(b), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 559, provided that: ‘‘Except as provided otherwise in this Act [see Short Title of 1994 Amendment note above], or the amendments to the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) made by this Act, the Secretary of Commerce or the Secretary of the Interior, as appropriate, shall, after notice and opportunity for public comment, promulgate regulations to implement this Act and the amendments made by this Act by January 1, 1995.’’ PURPOSES AND FINDINGS Pub. L. 105–42, §2, Aug. 15, 1997, 111 Stat. 1122, provided that: ‘‘(a) PURPOSES.—The purposes of this Act [see Short Title of 1997 Amendment note above] are— ‘‘(1) to give effect to the Declaration of Panama, signed October 4, 1995, by the Governments of Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, France, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Spain, the United States of America, Vanuatu, and Venezuela, including the establishment of the International Dolphin Conservation Program, relating to the protection of dolphins and other species, and the conservation and management of tuna in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean; ‘‘(2) to recognize that nations fishing for tuna in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean have achieved significant reductions in dolphin mortality associated with that fishery; and ‘‘(3) to eliminate the ban on imports of tuna from those nations that are in compliance with the International Dolphin Conservation Program. ‘‘(b) FINDINGS.—The Congress finds that— ‘‘(1) the nations that fish for tuna in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean have achieved significant reductions in dolphin mortality associated with the purse seine fishery from hundreds of thousands annually to fewer than 5,000 annually; ‘‘(2) the provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 [16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.] that impose a ban on imports from nations that fish for tuna in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean have served as an incentive to reduce dolphin mortalities; ‘‘(3) tuna canners and processors of the United States have led the canning and processing industry in promoting a dolphin-safe tuna market; and ‘‘(4) 12 signatory nations to the Declaration of Panama, including the United States, agreed under that Declaration to require that the total annual dolphin mortality in the purse seine fishery for yellowfin tuna in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean not exceed 5,000 animals, with the objective of progressively reducing dolphin mortality to a level approaching zero through the setting of annual limits and with the goal of eliminating dolphin mortality.’’ RELATIONSHIP OF MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT AMENDMENTS OF 1994 TO OTHER LAW Pub. L. 103–238, §2(b), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 532, provided that: ‘‘Except as otherwise expressly provided, nothing in this Act [see Short Title of 1994 Amendment note above] is intended to amend, repeal, or otherwise affect any other provision of law.’’ INDIAN TREATY RIGHTS; ALASKA NATIVE SUBSISTENCE Pub. L. 103–238, §14, Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 558, provided that: ‘‘Nothing in this Act [see Short Title of 1994 Amendment note above], including any amendments to the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 [16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.] made by this Act— ‘‘(1) alters or is intended to alter any treaty between the United States and one or more Indian tribes; or ‘‘(2) affects or otherwise modifies the provisions of section 101(b) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1371(b)), except as specifically provided in the amendment made by section 4(b) of this Act [amending section 1371 of this title].’’