Yes, owners/operators of charter/headboat vessels fishing for and/or retaining regulated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (Atlantic tunas, sharks, swordfish and billfish) in the Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, must obtain an Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) permit. To be eligible for this permit category there MUST be a licensed Coast Guard Captain onboard the vessel during ALL HMS Fishing activities regardless if they are commercial, recreational, or fee based in nature. This permit allows a vessel to fish both commercially for tunas and swordfish with a Commercial Sale Endorsement, and recreationally for HMS, although not on the same day. Only the sale of tuna and swordfish catch is permitted with this permit. This permit is required if fishing in Federal or State waters, and because it is a commercial permit when combined with a Commercial Sale Endorsement, the U.S. Coast Guard Safety Gear Regulations may apply. This permit will also allow a vessel to fish in registered recreational HMS fishing tournaments.
More FAQs
May I fish for Atlantic tunas without a vessel (e.g., from an oil rig or from shore)?If I want to fish for Atlantic tunas, do I need a permit? Which species and what areas are covered?I currently possess a valid Atlantic tunas General category permit. Am I allowed to fish in recreationally tournaments for HMS with this permit?How do I print my permit?May I sell my tunas if I have an HMS Angling category permit?If I witness a violation of NMFS regulations, how do I report it?What if my address has changed?Is there a description of an HMS Angling category permit?Is there a description of an HMS Charter/Headboat category permit?What do I get when I pay for my permit?Do I need any other permits in addition to a tuna permit?If a relative or friend is on my vessel and he/she has a permit, do I need a permit in this situation?Is there a description of a General category permit?Can I change my permit category?Do I need a recreational permit to fish for or land tunas, sharks, swordfish, and/or billfish?Does my permit need to be on board when I am fishing?