Is It Mandatory To Have a Fishing Permit for Commercial Use?

One of the biggest draws to life as a commercial fisherman is a freedom that comes with it. Trading the walls of a cubicle for the open sea is a no-brainer for many, and getting the chance to do what you love to earn your livelihood certainly carries an understandable appeal. Of course, in starting your own commercial fishing business, you also get the opportunity to be your own boss. Whether you are venturing out on your own, or if you are hiring a crew, you get to call the shots and decide when the day starts and ends. While this line of work is unique in many ways, it is subject to certain maritime laws and regulations, and you will need to make sure that you obtain the appropriate fishing permit.

If you are getting into the commercial fishing industry, you probably have a long history of angling. Ever since you were a child, you probably got out on the lake or sea to cast your lines, spending hours at a time reeling in fish. You may also have some familiarity with obtaining recreational fishing licenses every year from your state. In truth, commercial fishing permits are obtained through a similar, yet slightly more involved process, and at the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, we can help you get what you need. 

Knowing the Fishing Permit Laws in Your State

It can vary slightly depending on where you are fishing, but every state regulates commercial fishing to some degree. They can do this for a number of reasons. For one, it conserves native fisheries, which can prevent overfishing and pollution. This is important, as these can be fragile ecosystems and we all want to preserve them for future generations. Another consideration is that permits and licenses can raise revenue for the state. There are infrastructure and payroll needs to be met in your locality, and licensing fees are one avenue for meeting those demands.

If you are going to be fishing in the waters between zero and three nautical miles from shore, this will likely fall under the jurisdiction of your state. Before you drop your nets or cast your lines, you should consult with the specific commercial permit requirements in your area.

Obtaining the Correct NOAA Commercial Fishing Permits

Federal waters, which extend from three to 200 nautical miles from shore–and include the Great Lakes–are governed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This government agency regulates and maintains all fisheries on federal territory. If you are going to be operating your business on the high seas, you will want to ensure that you are carrying the proper NOAA permits.

For their part, the NOAA breaks down the available permits by region. There are the Alaska, Pacific Islands, the West Coast, the Southeast, and the Mid-Atlantic/New England regions to consider. Each of the areas has its own subset of permits for species-specific matters. If you look at the top navigation of our website, you will see that we provide an easy-to-navigate system for finding these permits.

Contact Us Today

To learn more about how the Commercial Fishing Permits Center can help you get the permits you need, visit our helpful FAQs page. You can also contact us by phone or email with any questions you may have.