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.
More FAQs
If I want to fish for Atlantic tunas, do I need a permit? Which species and what areas are covered?Is there a description of an HMS Angling category permit?What if my address has changed?Do I need any other permits in addition to a tuna permit?Is there a description of a General category permit?Do I need a recreational permit to fish for or land tunas, sharks, swordfish, and/or billfish?May I sell my tunas if I have an HMS Angling category permit?Does my permit need to be on board when I am fishing?Can I change my permit category?If a relative or friend is on my vessel and he/she has a permit, do I need a permit in this situation?If I witness a violation of NMFS regulations, how do I report it?What do I get when I pay for my permit?Is there a description of an HMS Charter/Headboat category permit?How do I print my permit?I currently possess a valid Atlantic tunas General category permit. Am I allowed to fish in recreationally tournaments for HMS with this permit?May I fish for Atlantic tunas without a vessel (e.g., from an oil rig or from shore)?