What Commercial Fishing Permits Can You Use on the East Coast?

The vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean has long been a destination for commercial fishing. In fact, dating back to the 1600s, Americans have been catching fish to sell throughout New England and the greater east coast. With hundreds of years of history, and ample stocks of desired fish, these waters remain popular for commercial fishing businesses. If you are considering starting your own fishing outfit in this region, you should probably familiarize yourself with the different types of east coast commercial fishing permits. By gaining a solid grasp of the species and permits available to you, you can better compose a business plan that will position you and your crew for success.

There are, of course, a wide array of different commercial fishing licenses and permits available. There are also state-level permits for those who opt to stay within the range of state waters. All of this can become confusing, and keeping track of different applications and agencies is not always easy. Read on to learn more about permits for commercial fishing in the Atlantic.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Many commercial fishing outfits will find themselves operating on federal waters. Typically, this jurisdiction covers the area between three and 200 nautical miles from land. Commercial fishing permits for federal waters are issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This large government agency bears many responsibilities, and one of their key tasks is managing federal fisheries. This is done by crafting regulations, implementing quotas, and issuing fishing permits. 

The New England/Mid-Atlantic Region

The NOAA segments the permits they issue by region. One such area that offers its own subset of permits is the New England/Mid-Atlantic region. Some of the species found in this area include Bluefish, Monkfish, Squid, Flounder, Black Sea Bass, and Crabs. Farther up in New England, there are also American Lobster permits (most commonly trapped in Maine and Massachusetts). 

The Southeast Region

The temperate climates afforded by the Southeast region also draw commercial fishermen in droves. This area also includes the Gulf of Mexico, which is a particular hotbed for shellfish such as shrimp. Other permits available include Mackerel, Atlantic Tuna, and even certain species of Shark.

Get All the Permits You Need in One Place

No matter where you are located on the Atlantic, the possibilities for what you can catch are many. Maybe you are going after one type of fish in particular, or you have a more multifaceted approach. Regardless, without the right permits, you put yourself in a position to be the recipient of costly fines that could be detrimental to your business. With that in mind, do not let the daunting task of completing paperwork allow you to procrastinate on getting the proper commercial fishing permits. 

At the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, we make it easy to get all the permits you need online. We break down all major NOAA regions in an easy-to-read navigation menu, so you can quickly find what you are looking for. To learn more, contact us by phone or email today.