The High Seas Fishing Compliance Act was adopted on March 3, 1996. The Act requires that all commercial fishing vessels registered in the United States have a permit to fish on the high seas. The high seas are those waters extending beyond the exclusive economic zone, or seaward of 200 miles. Those holding this permit must comply with international living marine resource agreements, including any measure implementing such agreements. Permit holders are required to record all fishing efforts on the high seas.
For more information, please contact our Permits Coordinator at 562.980.4238.
To apply for a High Seas Fishing Compliance Act Permit online, visit fisheriespermits.noaa.gov.
