How to Get Into Commercial Fishing

Commercial fishing isn’t for the faint of heart; it’s harder work than you may think and sometimes requires long hours spent in severe circumstances. You won’t become wealthy doing commercial fishing. Therefore, it’s not a good option for individuals who can’t see beyond the poor wage; most commercial fishermen have other occupations or are retired.

Furthermore, it is not a simple task to enter this field. However, commercial fishing may be quite profitable if you have a genuine interest in the industry and some experience with it already.

People from many walks of life, including veterans, pensioners, and college grads, make up the commercial fishing industry. Given the breadth of the discipline, there is no one entry point. In coastal communities around the United States, fishermen operate various vessels and fisheries (from squid boats to tuna boats to crab boats). Still, they all have one requirement: applicants must be experienced and enthusiastic about fishing. The question then becomes, “How do you join their ranks?”

Get a Commercial Fishing License
The Commercial Fishing Permits Center makes applying for a commercial fishing license simple. We have several different types of grants available to you. We provide you with all the resources you need to enter one of the most sought-after fields in the United States: the fishing business.

Finding the appropriate license for your professional aspirations and applying online are simple tasks. Your application for commercial fishing employment will be accepted whenever you are ready to begin working. We’re experts at ensuring folks in your position have everything they need to hit the ground running at their new employment. If you’re starting out in your new field, our website is packed with information and guidance from industry professionals to help you prepare for anything.

Get Your Boat and Fishing Gear

Get your boat and fishing equipment ready. While the upfront costs may seem high, be assured that you will eventually recoup your investment. Whether you want to go into commercial fishing, you should see whether somebody close by is already in the business, and if so, acquire their old boat from them. If you encounter someone like them, you should inquire whether they would be interested in selling you their new boat.

If you cannot locate such a person, your next best option is to use the internet to find a boat dealer in your area. Ask whether they have anything suitable for commercial fishing in your pricing range and the kind of boat you’re looking for.

Find the Right Job for Your Skills
You’ll need to brush up on the fundamentals of commercial fishing before you start searching for jobs. To connect with other fishermen and your clients, you’ll likely need to know how to operate a boat, read charts and maps, and utilize basic electronics. You’ll also need to understand how to properly and effectively draw nets and deal with fish.

Due to the hazardous nature of the job, anglers must be resourceful and able to think quickly on their feet. They’ll need to be familiar with the neighborhood they’re working in to get about without getting lost. If you already possess these talents, you’ll have a leg up on the competition for jobs. If not, now is the time to educate yourself!

Know Your Place in the World of Commercial Fishing
To begin, you must decide where you want to work and what kinds of jobs are available. Alaska, Florida, and Seattle are the top three destinations for commercial fishermen. Jobs in the fishing industry might be either on land or at sea. Land jobs are easier to get and pay less than aboard boats, but they do not need as much expertise.

Learn How to Handle Yourself on the Water
People frequently romanticize commercial fishing because they anticipate being at sea with nothing but the wind, waves, and salt in their hair for hours. Unsurprisingly, plenty of kids see themselves as sailors or fishers when they grow up. However, commercial fishing entails much more than the average person may think. Commercial fishing is a great option if you’re searching for a profession that keeps you active and engaged daily.

A commercial fisherman’s skill set must include a firm grasp of maritime and terrestrial environments. They need to be able to use navigational aids like GPS and radar and read and interpret maps and charts. They need to be able to operate boats and engines since water survival skills alone are not always sufficient.

The Commercial Fishing Permits Center is the place to go if you want a commercial fishing license or permit. Want to know how to get into commercial fishing? Call us today!

A Guide on Regulations for Commercial Fishing in the United States

Is your professional life in desperate need of a shake-up? Are you growing tired of the 9 to 5 rat race and wasting away your days in a cubicle? If you match this description, and you have a passion for angling, commercial fishing might offer you an exciting–if challenging–new career path. If you have ever watched an episode of “Deadliest Catch”, you know that the world of commercial and industrial fishing is a far cry from staring at a computer screen all day. While you get to work outside on a boat doing what you love, fishing commercially can also net you a sizable livelihood. On a global level, industrial fishing is a multi-billion dollar industry and in the United States, this line of work creates hundreds of thousands of jobs every year. Before you start gearing up your boat to cast your lines, however, you may want to acquaint yourself a bit with the regulations surrounding the commercial angling industry.

With so much money changing hands, and industry centered around the extraction of a natural resource from state and federal waters, it is really no wonder that industrial fishing is rather tightly regulated. This is the case for a couple of different, though equally important reasons. For one, commercial fishing is a dangerous enterprise. As you need to brave difficult conditions for long periods of time, often handling heavy, unwieldy equipment, it makes sense that there are permit requirements involved. An additional consideration to think about pertains to the conservation of our environment. Permits, quotas, and licenses can greatly aid in the reduction of overfishing practices, ensuring that future generations of commercial fishermen are able to earn a living on United States waters.

Commercial Fishing Permits at the State Level
One of the great things about fishing as a hobby is that it can be done just about anywhere there is a body of water. To a certain degree, this is also true for fishing for commercial purposes. Most states, though especially those situated on the coast, will have a series of permits and licenses available for commercial and industrial fishing. As a general rule of thumb, state waters will constitute anything inland, as well as the area from zero to three nautical miles from shore. If you are planning to operate a commercial trapping or netting business on state waters, you will want to check with your state’s appropriate agency on what is needed to do so legally.

If you need state fishing permits, there are a couple of ways in which you can go about getting them. One option is to contact your state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife agency directly, either by visiting their website or an office location and tracking down a paper application. From there, you can fill it out by hand and mail it in for processing. Of course, as a business owner and operator, you probably do not have the free time required for such a tedious, arduous process. At the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, we make it easy to get the licenses and endorsements you need online. Simply locate your state in our easy-to-read navigation and you will find a landing page containing all of your state’s available fishing permits.

Obtaining Your Federal Fishing License
Fishing commercially at the federal level will subject you to slightly different rules and regulations. As a fisherman, you understand that you will need to go where the fish are, and it is not unusual for that to mean fishing on federal waters. Everything from three to 200 nautical miles from land falls under federal jurisdiction. These waters are regulated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). As the United States is home to nearly 100,000 miles of coastline, federal waters are incredibly expansive, leaving the NOAA with a tall task.

One way in which the NOAA simplifies its considerable duties is by dividing its permit and license offerings by region. For example, you can obtain commercial angling permits for Alaska, the West Coast, the Pacific Islands, the Atlantic, and the South. Each of those aforementioned regions will have its own species-specific permits, e.g. Alaskan halibut or American lobster in New England.

By using our website, you can obtain all of the federal fishing permits you need. We offer easy-to-fill web forms for all major NOAA regions, making us a convenient, one-stop shop for your commercial fishing license needs. As a note, it is worth remembering that you will probably find yourself fishing on both federal and state glasses of water from time to time, so it is generally wise to have permits for both.

Work with Us Today!
Take a moment or two to browse our website and see how we can help you. If you have any questions, please visit our helpful Frequently Asked Questions page, or contact one of our friendly customer service agents by phone or email today.

What to Know About West Coast Commercial Fishing Permits

Has it always been your dream to make your living in commercial fishing? If so, there is no time like the present to get started. Before you can start catching and selling fish, however, you will have some practical matters to address. For starters, you should make sure you have a boat that is well-equipped for the rigors of commercial fishing, and capable of spending days out at sea. Next, you should determine where you will be conducting your fishing operations. In the U.S., there are a number of coastal fisheries which produce great bounties of seafood, and the west coast is no exception. With the right west coast commercial fishing permits, you can start reeling in fish and turning them into dollars.

The Pacific coastline is long and varied when it comes to the fisheries that are available. California, Oregon, and Washington are all home to commercial fishing hubs, and each state has its own individual permits for accessing fish within its waters. Read on to learn more about the commercial and industrial fishing permits available to west coast fishermen.

California Commercial Fishing Permits
Are you thinking about setting up your fishing business in the Golden State? If so, you will need either a resident or non-resident commercial fishing license via the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. That permit will serve as a baseline, but there are a number of stamps and endorsements that are also available. There are also species-specific permits that can be obtained for crayfish, inland fish, lobster, swordfish, and more.

Oregon Commercial Fishing Permits
Just north of California sits the state of Oregon, which is home to the bustling commercial fishing industry. In order to set up a shop in this state, you will need to apply for a commercial fishing license, which is issued by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. If you are fishing for tuna, you may want to also apply for a tuna landing license or a crab pot buoy number registration, if you will be seeking that species.

Washington Commercial Fishing Permits
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife issues commercial fishing licenses for both open and limited entry. Sitting just below Canada, Washington does have ample stocks of shellfish and tuna, and with the right permits, you can reap the bounty offered by the Evergreen State.

Get Your West Coast Commercial Fishing Permits Online
Federal waters, which encompass the area from three to 200 nautical miles from shore, are not governed by the state, but rather by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). If you are fishing in these waters, you will want to peruse their offerings for the west coast region.

At the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, we have online applications for all of your state and federal permit needs. Using our streamlined web forms, you can submit your applications via our SSL-encrypted web portal in just minutes. If you would like to learn more, please contact us by phone or email today, or visit our FAQ page.

The Requirements and Procedures for Obtaining a Federal Fisheries Permit

For those in the fishing industry, a federal fisheries permit is one of the most important documents to obtain. It allows fishers to legally catch certain fish species in federal waters, ensuring the preservation of the ocean’s biodiversity and keeping the industry regulated. However, obtaining a federal fisheries permit is no simple task. In this ultimate guide, we’ll break down the requirements and procedures for obtaining a federal fisheries permit.

Determine your Eligibility
The first step to obtaining a federal fisheries permit is to determine your eligibility. Federal fisheries permits are granted to individuals, corporations, and partnerships that meet specific criteria. These criteria include being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien, owning a vessel that is registered in the U.S. and exclusively used for fishing, and meeting the financial obligations as set forth by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), just to name a few. It’s important to review the criteria carefully as they may vary depending on the type of permit you need.

Identify the Type of Permit You Need
There are various types of federal fisheries permits available, depending on what you intend to fish and where you plan on doing it. For example, if you’re planning to catch shrimp, you’ll need a Gulf of Mexico or South Atlantic shrimp permit. Additionally, if your vessel will be fishing in waters internationally, you’ll need an international fishing permit. It’s essential to identify the type of permit you need, as this will dictate the application process.

Submit an Application
Once you’ve determined your eligibility and identified the type of permit you need, you can begin the application process. The application process can be lengthy, so it’s vital to start as soon as possible. You’ll need to prepare and submit several documents, including proof of ownership of your fishing vessel and evidence of financial responsibility, to name a few. When the application is successful, you’ll be notified by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) that your permit is ready for payment.

Pay the Fees
After you receive notice from the NMFS, you’ll need to pay the required fees to obtain your permit. Fees vary depending on the type of permit you need, and they cover various costs related to permit renewal and regulatory compliance. It’s important to keep in mind that these fees are subject to change over time, so it’s best to stay updated on the current fee structure.

Renew your Permit
Finally, once you’ve received your federal fisheries permit and start fishing, you’ll need to renew it to maintain its legality. Federal fisheries permits are valid for specific periods, depending on the type of permit, usually ranging from one to ten years. Before your permit expires, you’ll need to renew it to continue fishing legally. The renewal process is similar to the application process, but you’ll need to provide updated documentation to confirm that your vessel meets all requirements, and you are operating within the regulations of the permit.

Federal Fisheries Permit for Your Business
Obtaining a federal fisheries permit is an essential step for those in the fishing industry who want to fish legally while also ensuring the preservation of ocean biodiversity. The process can be long and complicated because there are so many requirements, but following the above steps will increase the likelihood of success. Remember to review the eligibility criteria, identify the type of permit you need, submit an application, pay the fees, and renew your permit to continue fishing legally. Doing so will allow you to fish federally-regulated waters legally while contributing to the overall safety and protection of the ocean.

Do You Need a Tuna Federal Commercial Fishing License

Commercial fishing is one of the oldest industries in the United States. In fact, the simple act of catching and selling fish from our waters predates the origins of our country. In 2022, commercial and industrial fishing is still a massive industry, as global demand for fresh seafood keeps fishermen busy in U.S. fisheries. If you are considering getting into this line of work, and you are situated near the Atlantic Ocean, you may be thinking about making tuna your primary catch. If so, it makes sense–this large saltwater fish can command a high dollar on the open market. In order to start catching and selling tuna, you will need a tuna federal commercial fishing license, and at the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, we can help you get yours online.

As a career, commercial fishing is not for everyone. It is dangerous, hard work that even the most passionate hobby anglers are not necessarily cut out for. If you are in this elite company, however, you are going to want to stay on top of a few items before leaving the dock. First, make sure your equipment is well-maintained, and that you have ample supplies for navigating treacherous conditions. Having your paperwork in good order is also important–specifically, you will want to make sure that you are always carrying the proper state and federal commercial fishing permits.

Understanding Tuna Federal Commercial Fishing Licenses

In the world of industrial fishing, there are a number of different modes employed to catch fish. There is, of course, the traditional rod and reel method, though that is somewhat limiting in terms of the volume of fish that you can haul in. In the interest of maximizing your catch, you might find that netting or longlining is more lucrative. Longlining, in particular, is very useful for catching tuna. This method of fishing involves casting a long line, sometimes miles in length, that has hooks every few feet. By dragging this behind your boat, you can snare tuna in high numbers.

If this is how you plan to fish, you will need to obtain what is called an Atlantic Tuna Longline Commercial Fishing Permit (Limited Access) from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). You should also note that this permission applies only to federal waters, which encompass the area from three to 200 nautical miles from shore. In some places, tuna can be caught closer to shore, which is considered to be state waters. If you are fishing in these spaces, you will want to consult with your state’s appropriate agency about obtaining the proper permits.

How to Obtain Your Fishing Permits Online

While tuna are abundant in the Atlantic, they are also native to the Pacific. If you are fishing off the coast of, say, Oregon, you will want to obtain the proper NOAA tuna permit for that region. No matter what type of license your business requires, the Commercial Fishing Permits Center can help. We have a host of streamlined, easy-to-fill web forms that you can use to get your permits online. To learn more, visit our FAQ page, or contact us by phone or email.

A Better Way to Handle Commercial Fishing Documentation

It is not simple to manage a commercial fishing business. You can end up buried under a sea of paperwork instead of navigating the water yourself with your crew. As a business owner, you may as well be tasked with lots of responsibilities. A crew to look after, a payroll to manage, equipment to be in order, a ship to be maintained… And on top of that, you also need to keep up to date with the current United States Coast Guard (USCG) documentation.

If you have ever dedicated some time to any type of paperwork, then you will be no stranger to this documentation. In this particular business, it would prove to be beneficial to you to learn how to deal with both commercial fishing permits and USCG documentation. But what does that mean exactly? Let’s find out on this post.

Understanding the Commercial Fishing Permits

Commercial fishing permits will be a must to your business. Fines and penalties are costly, so it is prudent to stay current when it comes to the different licenses. The service provided at the Commercial Fishing Permits Center makes it easier for business owners to stay on top of that.

The fishing permits are issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). They divide the fishing zones into five regions: Alaska, the Atlantic, the Pacific, and the South and West regions. Over the different areas, diverse permits are issued. Those permits will be valid in the federal waters that encompass the area that goes from three to 200 nautical miles from shore. The waters that extend from the shore up to the same three nautical miles depending on the jurisdiction of each state, normally under the Department of Natural Resources.

What is United StatesCoast Guard Documentation?
A certificate of documentation issued by the US Coast Guard means that your vessel is registered at the federal level. It is mandatory for every commercial vessel with net weight of over five tons.

To obtain a form CG-1258 must be completed, and it is called an application for documentation. This document will allow you to operate commercially with US Fisheries. You will need to renew this document yearly, although the USCG will remind you of this at least two months prior to the expiry date.

Let the Commercial Fishing Permits Center Process the Documentation for You!
We know all of this can sound a bit overwhelming but guess what: you don’t have to do it yourself. The Commercial Fishing Permits Center was created years ago to help people to deal with the USCG. Just fill in any of the forms from the documents we have been talking about and we will take care of the rest! There is no need to spend time printing the documents, sending them via the post office, and having to keep the expiry dates in mind: we got you covered!

Federal Commercial Fishing in Alaska’s Waters of Opportunity

Sometimes the number of commercial fishing opportunities available in Alaska’s waters might seem a bit overwhelming. Over the course of many years, Alaska has a history of producing more than half of the commercial fisheries in the United States. That’s a significant number of available options. There is a purpose behind the wide variety of federal commercial fishing permits and licenses that we offer in Alaska. Perhaps you are looking into scaling your fishing operation in the state of Alaska? Maybe you already engage in more commercial fishing in Alaska but feel as though the permitting process could use some streamlining and simplification. Fortunately, thanks to our online portal, there has never been a better time to get involved in the commercial fishing industry in Alaska than right now.

Some Of The World’s Most Productive Fisheries Can Be Found In Alaska’s Harvesting Areas.
According to the annual seafood harvest of Alaska, the previously mentioned “more than half” is more than just a concept. This basically means that Alaska’s fisheries typically produce somewhere between five and six billion pounds of fish each year. Frozen, smoked, and canned varieties of Alaska’s seafood are readily available all year long. The vast majority of Alaskan seafood is flash-frozen immediately after being caught to ensure its freshness and flavor. For many years, the harvest collected from Alaska has played an important role in all the fish consumption in the U.S.

When considering only the volume of seafood that is landed at each port, it is not surprising that Alaska has five of the top ten fishing ports in the United States. Because of this, real opportunities arise for people from all walks of life to work in the commercial fishing industry. In point of fact, more than 58,000 people work in Alaska’s commercial fishing industry on a yearly basis, and this number doesn’t even take into account the roughly 10,000 people who are employed in related jobs.

We Have Permits to Harvest Alaskan Crab That We Provide.
As of this writing, we have 21 unique Alaskan crab fishing licenses available. There are two main types of applications for these licenses: “Alaska License Limitation Program Applications for Groundfish and Crab” and “The Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Crab Rationalization Applications.” The latter features 18 programs that can improve your business in various ways related to commercial fishing. Applications for the Annual Crab Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ), Registered Crab Receiver, and other types of permits are all available through our portal.

Commercial Fishing In Alaska Helps The Community As Well.
In addition to providing opportunities in the form of jobs, commercial fishing in Alaska also provides opportunities in the form of real opportunities for the economy of the surrounding area. For instance, it has been discovered that people with Alsakan commercial fishing permits live all over the state, specifically in any one of 210 different communities. The economies of a significant number of coastal Alaskan communities are based on seafood. Not only does the sale of fish contribute to this revenue, but so do local taxes. It is not possible to adequately express how important fishing is to the people of Alaska and Alaskans.

Benefits from Commercial Fishing Permitting
Having one of these federal commercial fishing permits for Alaska means that you can legally fish in Alaskan waters after launching your vessel. It’s not worth the risk of getting in trouble with the law if you don’t get the right permits before entering navigable waters.

There are many species that you are not permitted to hunt or catch due to regulations put in place by state agencies responsible for wildlife management on land, at sea, and in the water. Some organizations advocate releasing all fish caught, while others set quotas on how many animals can be hunted or caught. This is something that states do frequently when they face population problems that threaten the local ecosystem. Please visit our blog to learn more about the particular types of fish that are available throughout different seasons.

The Best Approach to Acquiring the Necessary Permits for Alaska
Because there are so many fishing opportunities in Alaskan waters, it is not surprising that there are a great number of companies that provide online resources for obtaining Alaska fishing licenses. Keeping this in mind, we work extremely hard to differentiate ourselves from the competition. That involves making it possible for you to complete these forms from any location you choose. Due to the fact that our website is designed to be viewed on mobile devices, you will be able to finish filling out these forms from any location (and on any device), provided that the device you are using is connected to the internet. Visit our website to learn more about the various ways in which we simplify the process of obtaining the necessary forms in Alaska and other locations.