Atlantic Tunas General Category Permit (Open Access)
About
This permit authorizes vessels to commercially fish for and retain regulated Atlantic tunas using the following gear:
- Rod and reel
- Bandit gear
- Green-stick
- Handline
- Harpoon
Vessels with this permit may also fish recreationally for any Atlantic highly migratory species, or HMS, in registered tournaments. See the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Angling permit description for a list of authorized gears for billfishes, swordfish, and sharks.
This permit must be renewed annually.
Species Covered By This Permit
- Western Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
- North Atlantic Albacore Tuna
- Atlantic Yellowfin Tuna
- Atlantic Skipjack Tuna
- Atlantic Bigeye Tuna
What You Will Need
To obtain this permit, you must complete an application, submit supporting documentation, and pay the application fee. If you want to include a shark endorsement on your permit, you will also have to watch a short video and answer several shark identification questions. To complete the application, you will need the following personal and vessel information.
Personal information:
- First name
- Last name
- Home (billing) address and zip code
- Day time telephone number
- Mobile phone number
Vessel information:
- U.S. Coast Guard documentation number and/or state registration number for the vessel
- Vessel name
- Home port city and state
- Principal port city and state
- Length (in feet)
- Year built
- Crew size
- Construction (e.g., wood)
- Gross tonnage
- Propulsion (e.g., gasoline)
- Main engine horsepower
- Hold capacity in pounds (if applicable)
How to Apply
Effective in 2025, HMS permit applications and renewals must be submitted online. If the vessel you wish to permit has been permitted before by a different owner, your application must be processed by phone by a customer service representative. Call (888) 872-8862, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern. This is extremely important in order to maintain the permit history for the vessel.
Online
Individuals wishing to apply for or renew an HMS permit must set up an account online, and submit their application by visiting one of the pages below. Those with questions or needing assistance should call the NOAA Fisheries HMS Permits Customer Service Center at (888) 872-8862.
Permits purchased or renewed online can be purchased online with a major credit card.
What Happens After You Submit
Once you have completed your permit purchase or renewal you’ll have the opportunity to print your permit at the end of the application or renewal process. You can choose to have the permit sent to you via mail, email, or fax.
You can check the status of your application from the HMS Permit Shop using the permit number or order confirmation number.
Once Your Permit is Issued
The hardcopy of this permit must be onboard the vessel in order to fish for, take, retain, or possess the species identified above. The vessel operator must make the permit available for inspection if requested by any NOAA Fisheries or NOAA Fisheries-authorized personnel.