Hi, quick100...
Thank you for your question. There are two categories of Atlantic
Tuna Permits: vessels, which are basically all boats except charter
and headboats, and charter and headboats. The permits vary according
to which you want. For vessels other than charter and headboats,
fishing for and/or retaining regulated Atlantic tunas (Atlantic
bluefin, yellowfin, skipjack, albacore, and bigeye tunas) in the
Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, must
obtain an Atlantic tunas permit. Atlantic tunas permits cost $27.00.
All owners/operators of charter and headboat vessels fishing for
and/or retaining regulated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (Atlantic
tunas, sharks, swordfish and billfish) in the Atlantic Ocean,
including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, must obtain an
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Charter/Headboat permit. This
permit has replaced the Atlantic Tunas Charter/Headboat permit, and
incorporates those vessels targeting other regulated HMS. Similar to
Atlantic Tunas permits, 2002 Atlantic HMS Charter/Headboat permits
cost $27.00 and will be valid from the date of issuance through May
31, 2003.
You can purchase these permits at the National Marine Fisheries
Service web page at http://www.nmfspermits.com/initialapp.asp
As a note, however, the NMFS determined that the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
quota had been reached Decemeber 15, 2002. With this announcement,
general permit holders may no longer keep any bluefin tuna that is
caught. You may, however, tag and release. You can learn all about
the various catch limits and statutes covering the fishing of Atlantic
tuna the NMFS website.
Thanks again for your question and good luck in your fishing! If you
need any additional clarification, please let me know.
Regards,
-THV
Search Strategy:
atlantic tuna permit
References:
National Marine Fisheries Service Permit Shop
http://www.nmfspermits.com/default.asp
National Marine Fisheries Home Page
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ |
