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