Understanding Alaska Commercial Fishing Permits

The great thing about commercial fishing is that it can be done just about anywhere near a body of water. If you are the adventurous type, a more nomadic approach to commercial fishing may have some appeal–as the seasons change, you can go wherever the high-dollar fish are biting. Should you find yourself way up in the Frontier State of Alaska, you can hardly be blamed, as it is home to a number of lucrative commercial fisheries in both state and federal waters. Before you leave the dock, however, you will want to make sure that you have the proper Alaska commercial fishing permits for your desired catch.

Fishing in Alaska is a little different than in other areas in the United States. The weather can be a bit more treacherous, and the waters a little more unforgiving. On top of outfitting yourself, your crew, and your vessel for the Alaskan seas, the paperwork considerations are also a bit unique. Read on to learn more about obtaining the proper documentation to fish in Alaskan waters. 

Heading North? Gear Up First

If you are native to Alaska, you are probably fairly familiar with the demands the climate can impose on a fishing outfit. If the area is new to you, though, you will want to make sure that you are thoroughly prepared to take to the waters. First, make sure your boat is in good working order. This means keeping up with routine maintenance, having proper fuel and oil supplies, and keeping a good stock of first aid gear and life jackets. Also, as you may be able to imagine, warm clothes are important–that means proper jackets, pants, and boots.

As a business owner, you understand the importance of hiring a solid crew. If you are new to Alaskan waters, you may want to hire individuals who have a familiarity with the waters on which you will be fishing. You can lean on this expertise to stay out of dangerous situations and maximize your catch.

The Different Types of Alaska Commercial Fishing Permits

Fishing on federal waters is a common practice, as they make up large swaths of the fishing territories off of the United States coastline. In particular, federal waters are the area from three to 200 nautical miles from land. Federal commercial fishing permits are issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and for their part, they separate their permits by region. As it is such a large state with a massive coastline, Alaska is actually afforded its own region by the NOAA.

NOAA permits for Alaska are generally species-specific. So, if you are planning to fish for Halibut, Salmon, Crab, or Rockfish, you will want to make sure that you have the correct permit. Fortunately, by working with a private service such as ours at the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, you can apply for every license you need on our one-stop website.

Get Your Permits Online!

To apply for your permits using our SSL-encrypted web portal, simply select the Alaska dropdown and locate the online form you need. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us by phone or email.