When you think of certain kinds of seafood, specific places usually come to mind. Take lobster, for instance—most people immediately picture Maine, and for good reason. This rugged New England state is famous for its abundance of American lobster. Known for its high market value and popularity on restaurant menus, lobster remains one of the most in-demand catches for commercial fishermen. If you plan on trapping lobster in Maine—or harvesting other profitable species in the region—you’ll need to secure the proper Maine commercial fishing permits. With the right paperwork in place, you can legally maximize your catch and strengthen your fishing business’s bottom line.
That said, commercial fishing is no easy task. Long hours, heavy gear, and unpredictable weather are all part of the job. Still, for those who crave adventure and prefer life on the water over a desk in a 9-to-5 office, industrial fishing can be incredibly rewarding. At the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, we make the permitting process easier. Our goal is to cut down the time you spend on paperwork so you can focus on setting traps, pulling pots, and building a steady livelihood along the Maine coast.
The Right Maine Commercial Fishing Permits for You
When starting your commercial fishing business, much of your energy will go into early planning. You’ll need to decide which species you want to target, the waters you’ll be fishing in, and where you plan to sell your catch. During this stage, it’s also essential to determine which permits you’ll need. In Maine, all commercial fishing permits are issued through the Department of Marine Resources. State licenses are required for fishing in inland waters, as well as within three nautical miles of the coast.
In Maine, the most commonly requested permits cover lobster and crab harvesting, which are available to both residents and non-residents. The Department of Marine Resources also issues licenses for scallops, clams, sea urchins, and other valuable species. To get these permits, you’ll need to visit the Department’s website, download the correct PDF form, print it, complete it by hand, and mail it to the designated office for processing.
Get Your State and Federal Permits Online the Easy Way
In many cases, commercial fishermen will also need federal licenses in addition to their state permits. These are issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and apply to federal waters, which extend from three to 200 nautical miles offshore. For Maine operations, NOAA offers permits specific to the New England subregion, with licenses available for a wide variety of species.
Whether you require state or federal fishing permits, our service makes the process simple. We provide secure, easy-to-use web forms for all types of commercial fishing licenses, allowing you to handle your paperwork quickly and efficiently. Take a moment to browse our website to see all the permits we offer, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our customer service representatives by phone or email.
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