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