The Benefits of Commercial Tuna Fishing Permit

Though it is especially demanding work, there is money to be made in commercial fishing. Tuna, in particular, can command a high price on the open market. In fact, in 2019, a 612-pound Bluefin Tuna sold for a whopping $3 million at auction. While that is somewhat of an outlier, Tuna is a valuable fish, and depending on the region, you can get significant return on your investment in catching this as a commercial fisherman. With this in mind, it is smart for your business to seek out a commercial Tuna fishing permit if you are looking to cash in on this scorching hot market.

You may be saying to yourself, “Well, canned Tuna costs about $1.50 at the store, how can these fish cost so much?” In short, that Tuna you are buying at the store is actually made from Albacore. Bluefin Tuna, which can be caught off the coasts of the United States, is a different species altogether. If you live and work in an area where Tuna are a native species, you are going to want to understand the benefits of a Tuna fishing permit.

Getting a Commercial Tuna Fishing Permit for the Atlantic Region

As the saying goes, you have to go where the fish are biting. If you are looking to net Tuna, the east coast is likely your best bet. Since these large fish are often found in federal waters, the permit you will require for this is issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Specifically, you will want to apply for an Atlantic Tuna Longline Commercial Fishing Permit (Limited Access). With this license, you will be able to fish for Tuna throughout the Atlantic, including the Gulf of Mexico. As this permit provides some flexibility in its geography, it is popular among larger fishing operations. You should note, however, that you may not be able to hold this permit concurrently with other Tuna permits, so you will want to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations in your area.

Tuna Fishing on the West Coast

Though they are not quite as sought after as the Bluefin variety, albacore can still earn you a tidy profit if caught in bulk at the right time. This fish is especially abundant on the west coast off the shores of the U.S. and Canada. If your operation will be bringing you to Canadian waters, you will want to ensure that you are acting in compliance with the Tuna Treaty of 1981. A permit in recognition of this agreement allows you to fish for albacore up to 12 miles from the shores of both Canada and the U.S.

Find Your Permits Online

No matter what type of fish you are catching, having the right permits is a must. By working with us at the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, you can get all the permits you need at one convenient website. To learn more, contact us today, or take a moment to browse our website.