Atlantic Bluefish
About
Permit Categories
Category 1: Commercial (Open Access)
Vessel that fishes for, catches, possesses, transports, lands, sells, or trades bluefish commercially.
In 2017, we issued 2,266 Category 1 permits.
Category 2: For-Hire, Party/Charter
For-Hire, charter and party vessels that take people out fishing in federal waters off the Atlantic states to catch and keep Atlantic bluefish must have this valid permit on board. Fish may not be sold with this permit. The operator of the vessel issued this charter/party permit must have a valid Vessel Operator Permit issued by the Greater Atlantic Region.
In 2017, we issued 819 Category 2 permits.
More Information
Control Date: May 29, 1997
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: Bluefish may be sold only to persons possessing a valid federal bluefish dealer permit.
How to Obtain a Federal Fishing Permit: Any vessel owner with a valid State Boat Registration or a Certification of Documentation for their vessel can apply for a federal party/charter or commercial open access bluefish fishing vessel permit.
Species Covered By This Permit
- Atlantic Bluefish
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.