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