California Commercial Fishing Permits: What You Need to Know
There is little that compares to California in terms of opportunity for commercial fishermen. Provided that one is in possession of the correct permits, it is possible to take advantage of a wide range of local and Pacific fisheries to the state. California has it all: a wide range of ocean species, the most appealing—yet also the most challenging—commercial fishing locations in the whole United States of America.
Before you get onto casting lines, setting nets, or establishing your company, you must get the proper permits from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as well as from the state of California. Correct documentation is the legal way to operate and at the same time a shield to your potential source of income.
One of the first things for a person to know is the difference between state waters and federal waters:
- The area comprising three nautical miles from shore is state waters.
- On the other hand, the waters between 3-200 nautical miles extending from the shore are referred to as federal waters.
Since these areas fall under different jurisdictions, they require separate permits. In most cases, commercial fishermen will work in both zones, meaning you will likely need authorization from both state and federal agencies before heading out to sea.
The Categories of California Commercial Fisherman Permits
In relation to whether or not you are a resident, we have different kinds of California commercial fishing permits. Non-residents generally are required to pay more but have access to the same fisheries as residents.
Every commercial fisherman, at the state level, must first of all get a commercial fishing license before he is allowed to apply for any types of species-specific permits. Moreover, in order to be in legal possession of your boat in California waters, you are going to need commercial vessel registration.
Those intending to work in the federal waters will receive their permits from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The permits include the whole West Coast region and have options for various fisheries like groundfish, tuna, and other species that are highly regulated. The types of fishing gear or methods used can also determine what kind of permit you get.
Though both California and NOAA give you an opportunity to apply directly, the procedure, especially if you need multiple permits, can become very slow. One can quickly go from filling out paper applications, mailing forms to offices, and trying to cope with complicated requirements, to being overwhelmed. Therefore, most fishermen prefer to team up with the Commercial Fishing Permits Center where we are able to simplify the process for them and save their precious time and energy.

Get Your Permits Online Today
We, at the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, are a private service that is all about helping fishermen to get their licenses and permits as quickly and efficiently as possible. Our platform offers straightforward online forms that may be completed with ease for permits in all major U.S. regions, thus, there is no need for traditional paper works.
Security is of utmost importance to us. This is why for the protection of your information, we use an SSL-encrypted web portal that ensures that your personal data is transmitted in a safe and secure way.
Why use time and money to print out PDF files of applications, complete them by hand, and then, make a dozen trips to the post office? Pick our service and in just one location, you will be able to file for all the licenses of your business in the most comfortable way possible.
Interested in making the process easier? Check out our website or get in touch with us today to set up.


No Comments
Be the first to start a conversation