What’s Going On With Commercial Fishing in Newport?

As economic circumstances continue to ebb and flow in the United States, so too does the commercial fishing industry. In Newport, Rhode Island, a central location for commercial and industrial fishing on the Atlantic Ocean, some recent changes to the area are having a sizable impact on local fishermen. Facing an uncertain future, how these and other fishing operations adapt will prove critical to the future of the industry.

A Rich Commercial Fishing Tradition
Newport, Rhode Island is home to a natural harbor that has been historically hospitable to fishermen. Between the Atlantic Ocean and the nearby Narragansett Bay, Flounder, Mackerel, Perch, Tuna, and Fluke have been bountiful for previous generations to enjoy. Newport Harbor at one point in time was able to accommodate more than 150 wharves, and in the mid-1900s, it was one of the nation’s most profitable fishing ports. Unfortunately, tides have turned for commercial fishermen in the area.

Difficult Waters Ahead
Beginning in the 1970s, Newport turned into a desirable tourism destination on the eastern seaboard. While visitors brought an influx of cash to the area, they also brought pressure on landowners to maximize the value of their waterfront holdings. This began a slow and steady decay of the infrastructure needed to support commercial fishermen, as fueling stations, bait shops, and markets began evaporating from the port. Docking fees also have skyrocketed to accommodate yachts and large pleasurecraft, squeezing out smaller fishing operations. Since 2011, commercial fishery landings have shrunk by nearly 70 percent in the area.

Environmental changes have also played a role in diminishing the local fishing industry. As pollution has continued and water temperatures have risen, fish yields have decreased by more than 80 percent since 1898. With a multitude of factors impacting the economic sustainability of commercial and industrial fishing in the area, new operations and younger fishermen are rare. With the already paltry number of fishing operators nearing retirement, the overall field of businesses is poised to continue to dwindle.

Opportunity Persists on the Open Water
As recently as the 1980s, the commercial fishing business in Newport could be quite lucrative. It was during this time that federal fishing waters were expanded by 200 miles, greatly opening the possibilities for sizable catches. Even today, the demand for seafood in the area is considerable. With younger generations more conscientious of where their food comes from, the demand for fresh, locally caught seafood has also increased.

Some commercial fishermen have also successfully adjusted the scope of their businesses. As tourism continues to boom in the area, charter fishing operations have become an in-demand activity for visitors to Newport. Since commercial fishermen have the boats and knowledge to accommodate this market, they are proving that there is still money to be made the old-fashioned way in Newport Harbor.

Keep Your Commercial or Industrial Fishing Operation Afloat
If you operate a commercial trapping or fishing business on the Atlantic, make sure your permits and licenses are up-to-date. At the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, we offer a one-stop, convenient website where you can complete all of your applications quickly and accurately. Contact us today to learn more.

A Guide on the Atlantic Tuna Longline Commercial Fishing Permit

In the commercial fishing industry, longlining is an effective and time-tested practice. By casting a line that is sometimes miles long, you can ensnare a high volume of fish and generate a significant amount of revenue. If you are thinking of adding this method to your fishing operation, you will want to make sure that you have the correct commercial fishing permit to do so.

Commercial fishing is a heavily regulated industry, and for good reason. In order to protect consumers and preserve a healthy level of competition in the market, certain permits are required for specific species and modes of fishing. By having a strong base of knowledge about which permits you to need, you can better position your business to flourish.

About the Atlantic Tuna Longline Commercial Fishing Permit
If you are operating a commercial fishing outfit in the southeast region of the United States, Tuna can seem like an especially desirable catch. As the species is bountiful in the Atlantic, and it is perennially in demand, catching and selling tuna is a sound business maneuver. So, to get your tuna fishing business off the ground, what specific permit do you need?

The Atlantic tuna longline fishing permit, acquired through the Southeast Fisheries Permit System, will allow you to legally catch and sell Tuna via longlining. To get this permit, you will need to fill out the appropriate application and provide relevant Coast Guard documents and/or state registrations.

What Species Are Covered?
When the average diner sees the word Tuna on the menu, they may not realize that there are actually different varieties of this fish. There are, in fact, several different species of Tuna, each with their own culinary qualities. With an Atlantic Tuna longline permit, you will be able to fish for the following:

Western Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
North Atlantic Albacore Tuna
Atlantic Yellowfin Tuna
Atlantic Skipjack Tuna
Atlantic Bigeye Tuna
Since this permit can open a lot of avenues for income, it is a no-brainer for your fishing business. Having a diverse list of offerings can separate you from the competition, but it is important to hold the correct permits and licensing to make sure your business is operating on the level.

Getting The Permits You Need
Whether you need a longlining permit for Tuna in the Atlantic, or a Halibut permit in Alaska, getting the correct documentation is critical. You may, however, find yourself confused when navigating all of the paperwork required to get the permits your business needs. Fortunately, a private service such as ours at the Commercial Fishing Permits Center can greatly ease your burden.

We offer applications for commercial and industrial fishing permits in all major regions of the United States. We use simplified fillable forms so you can skip the process of printing out documents and writing them in by hand. Our secure, SSL-encrypted portal also ensures that your private information will be sent in a safe manner.

Contact Us Today to Learn More
Do you need a permit for longlining in the Atlantic? Look no farther than the Commercial Fishing Permits Center. We have all of the forms that you need on one convenient website. Browse our website today or contact one of our representatives to learn more.

Your Federal Fishing License, State by State

As any fisherman knows, you go where the fish are biting. For commercial fishermen, meeting their consumers’ needs can mean they will need to fish in multiple states. If your New England commercial fishing or trapping business has presented you with such a scenario, you will need to obtain the appropriate federal fishing license.

Just as you would not get behind the wheel of a car without a driver’s license, you should not drop nets or lines in more than one state in New England without the right documentation in place. Read on to learn more about fishing requirements, state by state.

Connecticut
Fishing in Connecticut waters requires that anglers are licensed in Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, or Connecticut. For a year-long freshwater license, residents will need to pay $28, while the fee for non-residents is $55. All-waters permits are also available, as are trout and salmon stamps for using designated fisheries.

Maine
Anyone over the age of 16 who wants to fish on saltwater in Maine will require a recreational fishing registration. Fortunately, if you happen to have a current freshwater license, you can fish the saltwater tidal areas without seeking out an additional registration. To do this, you will simply need to answer the requisite questioning on your freshwater license.

Massachusetts
In the state of Massachusetts, getting a marine license is $10 for residents and non-residents alike, provided they are over the age of 16. In certain cases, fishing licenses and permits from neighboring New England states offer viable forms of alternative registration. Year-long freshwater permits are also available for residents and non-residents.

New York
New York does not charge a fee for anglers 16 and up to register with the marine fishing registry. The state of New York’s marine waters are also incorporated into the National Marine Fishing Service database, which makes permit matters easier for registered fishermen. Year-long freshwater licenses are also available, and license holders in Connecticut and Rhode Island are able to enjoy registration reciprocity.

Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, freshwater fishing licenses are due for renewal every year on March 1st. The cost for a freshwater fishing license is $18 for in-state residents and $35 for non-residents. Trout stamps, for fishing in designated trout areas, are available for a fee of $5.50. For short-term visitors, 7-day licenses are available, and registrations from many neighboring states are considered viable.

Work with Us Today to Get Your Federal Fishing License
With so many different types of licenses to keep track of, submitting your applications and registrations can be a complicated endeavor. By working with a private service such as ours at the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, you can greatly simplify this process. We offer a wide array of forms for different commercial fishing permits in a number of geographic regions. We also utilize an SSL-encrypted web portal, so your information is transmitted to the appropriate agency in a safe and secure manner. To learn more, contact one of our customer service representatives.

What Does the Future of Commercial Fishing Look Like?

Change is inevitable in any industry. Even for a line of work like commercial fishing, where basic practices have remained relatively static for hundreds of years, things tend to evolve with time. As a business owner, you understand the crucial importance of adaptability, and as such, keeping your finger on the pulse of industry and market trends is a must. So, what does the future have in store for commercial and industrial fishing operations?

A Push for Sustainability

If you are a commercial fisherman, you are uniquely familiar with the concept of living off of the land. As the fragile ecosystems of the fisheries you depend on must be preserved, it is important that measures are taken to protect our waters. It is with this idea in mind, that “sustainability” is a word seen more and more frequently in the commercial trapping and fishing industry.

Utilizing fishing vessels and tools that do not pollute the environment is paramount. The best way to ensure that our fisheries are intact for future generations is to keep the waters clean. As boat and engine technology continues to advance, more and more vessels will operate in an eco-friendly way.

Beyond technological advancements, however, simpler, time-honored practices still have a place in sustainability. By not taking more than you need with your catch, you can help preserve your fisheries. With consumer demand at all-time highs, the temptation for large operations to simply harvest as much as possible is understandable, but it is crucial that fishing is still done in a way that is environmentally sustainable.

Evolving Regulatory Policies and New Permit Requirements
It is the role of federal and local governments to enact policies that seek to protect the environment. As market demands and nature conditions change, regulations do need to have elasticity to them–though this does not always happen.

If you are a commercial fisherman, you should always be prepared for sudden changes to regulations and new permit requirements. Quotas and seasonal limitations also tend to vary, so keeping an eye on what is happening with your local fisheries is generally a prudent maneuver.

Having your documentation up-to-date is critical to the health of your business. If there are new permit requirements for your business, make sure that you apply for the documents you need in a prompt and comprehensive manner. By working with a private service such as ours at the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, you can complete all of your applications in one convenient website, ultimately saving you a considerable amount of time and money.

Keep Your Commercial Fishing Business Agile – Contact Us
Does your commercial trapping or fishing business require you to obtain new permits? We are prepared to help. Use our simplified, easy-to-fill forms to apply for the documentation you need. We also use an SSL-encrypted portal, so you can rest easy knowing that your private information is transmitted securely. To learn more, contact one of our service representatives today.

All Commercial Fishing Permit Applications and Forms in One Website

Is fishing your passion in life? Maybe you have had enough of the 9-to-5 office rat race and you want to make commercial fishing your career? Before you load up your boat and drop your line or net in the water, you will want to make sure that you have the right permit applications and forms filled out and processed.

Commercial fishing is a tightly-regulated industry. To protect the environment, maintain healthy competition, and protect the consumer, certain rules and regulations must be adhered to. A large component to operating your commercial or industrial fishing business legally and sustainably is to have all of the appropriate licensing and permits.

With so many different licenses and documents available to commercial fishermen, however, you may find yourself quickly overwhelmed. Fortunately, the Commercial Fishing Permits Center is here to help. You should be navigating the sea for fish–not navigating a sea of bureaucratic fine print. With our assistance, you can get all the necessary permits you need to maintain and grow your business.

Different Permit Applications and Forms for Different Needs
You understand that there are many different types of seafood with varying levels of demand. Whether you are seeking to catch one specific type of fish, or if your offerings are more diverse, you should understand that different types of catch call for different permits.

Take a moment and look at the menus on our site. You will see that we offer a vast array of different permit applications. Because we deal with commercial and industrial fishing outfits of all sizes–from large corporations to small, family-owned businesses–we take pride in providing a broad selection of permits.

As a business owner, you got where you are today with ambition and persistence. With this in mind, you likely will need more than one permit to accommodate the dynamic nature of your business. By getting the forms you need from our website, where everything is in one place, you can tackle your permit needs in a time-efficient fashion. From Rockfish permits for Alaska to American Red Lobster licensing in New England, the Commercial Fishing Permits Center has your needs covered.

A Secure Way to Submit Your Documents
With so much of life’s paperwork being taken care of online, the level of convenience is undeniable. An unfortunate residual effect of this, however, is the very real problem of identity theft. As you and your business cannot afford the costly setback of stolen documents or data, you want to take extra care in how you transmit your private information.

At the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, we recognize the importance of this concern. We employ a secure, SSL-encrypted portal for our documentation, ensuring that your data is transferred safely. When using our service, you can have peace of mind in knowing that your private data will remain private.

Find Out More – Contact Us Today
Do you need help in obtaining a commercial or industrial fishing permit? Maybe you need to add an endorsement for a specific species? No matter what your permit needs may be, we are ready to help you. Contact one of our experienced and helpful customer service representatives today to get started on your application.

All You Need to Know About Commercial Fisheries in California

Seafood is a staple in the diet of many California residents. What most do not realize, however, is that much of that seafood is caught right here at local commercial fisheries. If you are considering getting into the commercial fishing business–which can be a profitable if physically demanding line of work–you should get to know more about California’s commercial and industrial fisheries.

A Significant Piece of the State’s Economy

Aside from providing consumers with the seafood they crave, commercial fishing is also a cornerstone of California’s economy. Some 120,000 jobs–on- and off-shore–are produced by commercial fishing on the California coastline, supporting livelihoods and creating lifelong careers. It is estimated that more than $200 million is paid out to commercial fishermen annually thanks to local fisheries.

Different Types of Commercial Fisheries
Just as there are different types of seafood at your local market or grocery store, so too are there different types of industrial fisheries in California. Most often, fisheries are separated by species (or group of species), region or geography fished, and the commercial fishing methods used.

There are unique and overlapping rules and regulations for California’s fisheries. For example, fishermen accessing the California Sea Urchin Fishery must adhere to limitations imposed concerning fishing methods. The idea behind these regulations is to preserve the often delicate ecosystems in place in California’s fisheries. By taking steps to take care of the environment, we can ensure that our fisheries will be robust for future generations of fishermen.

The Seasonality of California Fisheries
You may be familiar with the concept of seasonality as it applies to, say, hunting. Within some seasons, you are legally permitted to hunt certain games. This typically coincides with the optimal times of year to bag the game you are looking for. This is also true for fisheries. The simple fact is, some times of year are better than others for catching different types of fish.

The state of California regulates the seasonality of its fisheries by considering a few different factors. Firstly, market demand must be considered, as people tend to buy different types of seafood at different points of the year. Secondly, there are regulations to consider when determining the type of fishing possible during the season in question. And thirdly, resource availability must be considered–are there enough fishermen on-hand to tackle the season’s catch? Without the necessary manpower, the demands of California consumers cannot be met.

Get the Commercial Fishing Permits You Need
As commercial fishing is a highly-regulated industry, you should be prepared to navigate the licenses, registrations, and permits that come with it. Before you start packing up your gear to hit the coastline, make sure you have the permits you need. At the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, we offer a great number of easy-to-fill online forms, so you can get your documentation submitted to the appropriate agency promptly. Feel free to explore our website, or contact one of our customer service representatives today with any questions you may have.

The 5 Methods Used by Commercial Fisheries

The great thing about fishing is that it is an activity that can be enjoyed by all. For some fishermen, however, it turns into a vocation, and they utilize commercial fisheries to generate income. While you probably haven’t put much thought into how the fish at your local market are caught, the truth is that several methods are used by commercial and industrial fishing operations. Read on to learn more about the methods that are commonly used by commercial fishermen.

Netting
If you are looking to catch a high volume of fish in a short period, you would be hard-pressed to find a method better than netting. A time-tested and efficient commercial fishing practice, netting is used to catch roughly 80 percent of fish brought to market.

There are several different netting techniques worth knowing, but the most common method is called “purse seine fishing.” In this practice, a boat or commercial fishing vessel will use radar to locate a school of fish, then a net is lowered into the water via a small crane. You can think of this as using a large drawstring bag – once the fish are in the net, it is cinched and raised out of the water.

Using Traps and Pots
Lobsters, crab, and other species of shellfish can command a high dollar. To get a sizable catch to market, commercial fishermen rely on traps and pots to entrap invertebrates. When using this fishing method, traps are lowered to the ocean floor. Once a lobster or crab enters the trap, it is closed shut, allowing the fisherman to pull it up and bring it on-board their vessel.

Diving
Sometimes in life, if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself – and get your hands a little dirty in the process. This is also true in commercial fishing. Sometimes divers are used to capturing sea urchins and sea cucumbers. This is a fairly straightforward practice in which a diver will go below water where their catch is located and physically grab creatures from the seafloor.

Trawling
Trawling is a method of commercial fishing that employs a large net, but it is a bit different than simply dropping it in and pulling it back up. This practice actually requires some movement from the involved vessel, as a net is dropped and then dragged to ensnare fishing along the way. Trawling is done at varying depths depending on what the desired catch may be.

Line fishing
No matter how advanced commercial fishing technology becomes, sometimes you cannot beat the traditional hook and line method. This commercial and industrial fishing practice can include rod and reel fishing, though long-lining is much more common (and practical). With long-lining, the actual line can sometimes be miles long, catching a significant volume of fish when done effectively.

Do You Need a Permit for Commercial Fisheries?
If you are interested in starting a commercial fishing business, make sure that you have the permits you need to operate legally. Contact the Commercial Fishing Permits Center today, or take a moment to browse our website to learn more about how we can help you.