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).
More FAQs
Can I change my permit category?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?Do I need any other permits in addition to a tuna permit?What if my address has changed?May I sell my tunas if I have an HMS Angling category permit?How do I print my permit?If I witness a violation of NMFS regulations, how do I report it?If a relative or friend is on my vessel and he/she has a permit, do I need a permit in this situation?What do I get when I pay for my permit?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?Is there a description of a General category permit?Is there a description of an HMS Charter/Headboat category permit?May I fish for Atlantic tunas without a vessel (e.g., from an oil rig or from shore)?