Black Sea Bass
About
Permit Categories
Category 1: Commercial (Moratorium)
Vessel that fishes for, catches, possesses, transports, lands, sells, or trades black sea bass.
In 2017, we issued 646 Category 1 permits.
A Confirmation of Permit History allows a vessel owner to retain permit eligibility in the event the vessel has been destroyed or sold but the owner retains the permit eligibility. The permit in Confirmation of Permit History may then be placed on a vessel at a later date. There are 160 permits in Confirmation of Permit History.
Category 2: Recreational Charter/Party
Vessel that carries passengers for hire.
In 2017, we issued 785 Category 1 permits.
More Information
Control Date: June 5, 2001
Commercial Operator Permit: Operator cards are required for any operator of a charter/party boat or a commercial vessel (including carrier and processor vessels) issued a vessel permit from the Greater Atlantic Region and fishing for or in possession of fish.
Commercial Dealer/Processor Permit: Black sea bass may be sold only to persons possessing a valid federal black sea bass dealer permit.
How to Obtain a Federal Fishing Permit: Anyone with a valid vessel operator’s permit can obtain a federal recreational charter/party black sea bass permit.
Commercial (moratorium) permits have been managed under a limited entry system since 1996; no new moratorium permits are being issued.
Species Covered By This Permit
- Black Sea Bass
How to Apply
All permits are free of charge. Go to Fish Online to apply online.
For assistance, please contact our Permit Office by emailing us at NMFS.GAR.Permits@noaa.gov or by calling (978) 282-8438.
What Happens After You Submit
After we process an online permit application, you will need to print your permit from your Fish Online account. We will not be mailing paper permits back to you once your permit has been issued.