Federal Permit Application for Vessels Fishing in the EE

OMB No. 0648-0205 Form Approval Expires: 08/31/2011

U.S. DEPT OF COMMERCE, NOAA
NMFS PERMITS OFFICE, F/SER14

FEDERAL PERMIT APPLICATION FOR
VESSELS FISHING IN THE EXCLUSIVE
ECONOMIC ZONE (EEZ)

263 13th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Toll Free 877/376-4877 (8:00 am - 4:30 pm ET)
727/824-5326 (8:00 am - 4:30 pm ET)

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov

Reviewer's Initials and Date
Permit Check or Money Order
Number and Amount
Floy Tag Check or Money
Order Number and Amount
Sanction Case Number if
Sanctioned
Non Compliance Hold Date

Application ID

Non Compliance Cleared Date
Expiration Date(s)

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

REMEMBER TO SEND A COPY of your current (not expired) United States Coast Guard (USCG) Certificate of Documentation.
If this vessel is not documented, send a copy of your state vessel registration. If we have a copy of your documentaion or
state registration on file, it must not be expired. Do not send your original. We cannot accept a bill of sale. If your vessel's
state registration does not list all owners of the vessel, also provide a copy of the vessel's title, or other documentation from
the appropriate state agency that identifies all vessel owners.

1. VESSEL INFORMATION
OFFICIAL NUMBER FROM USCG CERTIFICATE OF
DOCUMENTATION (if the vessel is documented)

YEAR BUILT

STATE REGISTRATION NUMBER (as applicable)

Crew Size - Including the Captain

VESSEL NAME

HOLD or FISH BOX CAPACITY
(Pounds of Harvest) How many pounds of
product can you bring to the dock when full?

HULL IDENTIFICATION or IMO NUMBER

LENGTH (FEET)

HULL MATERIAL

FUEL DATA
DIESEL

HAILING PORT CITY

HAILING PORT COUNTY OR PARISH

HAILING PORT STAT

FIBERGLASS

GASOLINE

STEEL

OTHER (DESCRIBE)

WOOD

FUEL CAPACITY TOTAL GALLONS

CEMENT

GROSS TONS

NET TONS

PASSENGER CAPACITY DATA FOR CHARTER/
HEADBOAT VESSELS ONLY
UNINSPECTED VESSEL - "6-PACK"
USCG INSPECTED VESSEL
(Specify Passenger Capacity as
listed on the USCG Certificate of
Inspection, not including Capt. and
Crew)

This vessel is
used MOSTLY for
(select only 1)
Commercial Fishing
Headboat
Charter
Page 1

PRODUCT
STORAGE (check
all that apply)

ON ICE IN HOLD,
FISH BOX, ICE
CHEST, COOLER
ETC.,
FREEZER

OTHER
________________

USCG DOCUMENTED VESSELS ONLY

TOTAL HORSEPOWER

LIVE WELL

For Shark and Swordfish Directed and Incidental Permit
Applicants Only: Does your vessel fish with, or carry
onboard, either longline or gillnet gear?
No
Yes
Reminder: If yes, include a copy of your "Protected Species
Release, Disentanglement, and Identification Workshop
Certificate".
Form Revision 05/18/2011

2. OPEN ACCESS PERMITS and ENDORSEMENTS
INSTRUCTIONS: Find the permits you want in the left column and mark the check box beside that fishery to indicate what transaction(s) you want.

NEW

OPEN ACCESS COMMERCIAL PERMITS

RENEWAL

DUPLICATE

COMMERCIAL ATLANTIC DOLPHIN/ WAHOO (ADW)
SPINY LOBSTER (LC) (Not required for the EEZ off Florida)
SPINY LOBSTER TAILING (LT)
(You must have an LC permit OR provide your FL SPL information below to obtain this permit)
SPANISH MACKEREL (SM)
ROCK SHRIMP (CAROLINAS ZONE) (RSCZ)
SOUTH ATLANTIC PENAEID SHRIMP (SPA)
GULF ROYAL RED SHRIMP ENDORSEMENT (GRRS)
(You must possess a valid Gulf of Mexico Shrimp (SPGM) permit to obtain this endorsment.)

FOR LOBSTER TAILING PERMIT APPLICANTS ONLY:
LOBSTER TAILING APPLICANTS: To obtain a lobster tailing permit you must possess a Florida SPL or if you do not have a Florida SPL, you must
possess or simultaneously obtain a valid Federal Spiny Lobster (LC) permit.

You must provide a copy of your Florida SPL if you do not have a Federal Spiny Lobster (LC) permit
Saltwater Products License
Number

Crawfish Endorsement
Number

Saltwater Products License
Expiration date

Do You Have A Restricted
Species Endorsement?

YES

NEW

OPEN ACCESS CHARTER/HEADBOAT PERMITS

NO

RENEWAL

DUPLICATE

SOUTH ATLANTIC CHARTER/ HEADBOAT FOR SNAPPER-GROUPER (SC)
SOUTH ATLANTIC CHARTER/ HEADBOAT FOR COASTAL MIGRATORY PELAGICS (CHS)
ATLANTIC CHARTER/ HEADBOAT FOR DOLPHIN/ WAHOO (CDW)

The South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper complex (commercial and charter) includes Snappers, Groupers, Tilefishes, Seabasses, Wrasses, Jacks, Grunts,
Porgies, Spadefishes, Triggerfishes and Wreckfish. For a detailed list, refer to Table 4 of Appendix A to 50CFR622.
The South Atlantic Coastal Migratory Pelagic group consists of King Mackerel, Cerro Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia and Little Tunny.

Applicants that wish to obtain a Highly Migratory Species (HMS) permit for Tunas (other than Atlantic Tuna Longline) or either Charter or Recreational
Angling should call 1-888-USA-TUNA or vistit the website at https://hmspermits.noaa.gov. An HMS permit is required when fishing for Atlantic Tunas
(Atlantic Bluefin, Bigeye, Yellowfin, Albacore and Skipjack), Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Striped Marlin, Sailfish, Spearfish, Swordfish and Sharks.
Page 2

2 (continued). LIMITED ACCESS/ MORATORIUM PERMITS and ENDORSEMENTS
INSTRUCTIONS: Find the permits you want in the left column and mark the check box beside that fishery to indicate what transaction(s) you want.
The Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish complex (commercial and charter) includes Snappers, Groupers, Tilefishes, Wrasses, Jacks, Triggerfishes, etc. For a
detailed list, refer to Table 3 of Appendix A to 50CFR622.
The Gulf of Mexico Coastal Migratory Pelagic group (charter) consists of Dolphin, Bluefish, King Mackeral, Cerro Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia
and Little Tunny.
The South Atlantic Snapper Grouper complex (commercial and charter) includes Snappers, Groupers, Tilefishes, Seabasses, Wrasses, Grunts, Jacks,
Porgies, Spadefishes, Triggerfishes and Wreckfish. For a detailed list, refer to Table 4 of appendix a to 50CFR622.

PERMIT NUMBER

LIMITED ACCESS/MORATORIUM COMMERCIAL PERMITS

TRANSFER

RENEWAL

DUPLICATE

GULF OF MEXICO SHRIMP (SPGM)
KING MACKEREL (KM)
GILLNET FOR KING MACKEREL (GN)
GULF OF MEXICO REEF FISH (RR)
EASTERN GULF OF MEXICO REEF FISH BOTTOM LONG LINE ENDORSEMENT (RRLE)
You must possess a valid Commercial Gulf Reef Fish (RR) permit to obtain this endorsement.
ROCK SHRIMP (SOUTH ATLANTIC EEZ) (RSLA)
SOUTH ATLANTIC UNLIMITED SNAPPER-GROUPER (EXCLUDING WRECKFISH) (SG1)
SOUTH ATLANTIC 225 LB TRIP LIMIT SNAPPER-GROUPER (EXCLUDING WRECKFISH) (SG2)

SWORDFISH DIRECTED (SFD)
SWORDFISH HANDGEAR (SFH)
SWORDFISH INCIDENTAL (SFI)
SHARK DIRECTED (SKD)
SHARK INCIDENTAL (SKI)
ATLANTIC TUNA LONGLINE (ATL)
You must possess valid shark and swordfish permits (SFI, SKI, SFD, SKD) to obtain this permit.
SOUTH ATLANTIC GOLDEN CRAB (GC)

LIMITED ACCESS/MORATORIUM CHARTER/ HEADBOAT PERMITS
GULF OF MEXICO CHARTER/HEADBOAT FOR COASTAL MIGRATORY PELAGIC FISH (CHG)
GULF OF MEXICO CHARTER/HEADBOAT FOR REEF FISH (RCG)
HISTORICAL CAPTAIN GULF OF MEXICO CHARTER/HEADBOAT
FOR COASTAL MIGRATORY PELAGIC FISH (HCHG)
HISTORICAL CAPTAIN GULF OF MEXICO CHARTER/HEADBOAT
FOR REEF FISH (HRCG)

Page 3

PERMIT NUMBER

TRANSFER

RENEWAL

DUPLICATE

3. VESSEL OWNER AND LESSEE INFORMATION
Copy this page as needed to provide the required information on all persons or businesses that own or lease the vessel listed in Section 1.
1) Please complete the top section of this page for the owner of the vessel as shown on the USCG Certificate of Documentation or, if not documented,
on the state registration certificate. If the vessel is jointly owned, please enter the information for the managing (primary) owner. If the owner is a
business, enter the Federal ID number and date the business was formed. If the owner is an individual, enter the Social Security Number.
2) Complete the bottom section of this page for a joint owner if the vessel is jointly owned by more than one owner, OR if the vessel is leased, for the
entity that is leasing the vessel from the vessel owner. You must submit information on each joint owner and for each lessee. If you need more spaces
for additional owners or lessees, copy the blank form or provide the required information on a separate sheet of paper.
3) Place an "X" in the Mailing Recipient block to indicate who will receive the permit and all related information, usually the managing owner if the vessel
is jointly owner. Please only mark one box.
4) If your vessel's state registration does not list all owners of the vessel, also provide a copy of the vessel's title, or other documentation from the
appropriate state agency that identifies all vessel owners.

Vessel Owner as shown on the USCG Certificate of Documentation,
or for undocumented vessels, the State Registration; and/or Vessel Lessee Information
This section is required for all applications.
Check one

INDIVIDUAL or SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP

JOINT OWNERSHIP

PARTNERSHIP

CORPORATION

OTHER ____________

Mailing Recipient - Mark this box if you want this entity to receive all mail concerning this permit; mark only one person
Mr/Mrs/Ms

Last Name or Name of Business

First Name

Suffix JR,SR,etc.

Middle Name

Mailing Address

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/parish

Zip Code

Country

Physical Address

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/parish

Zip Code

Country

Check box if same as Mailing Address

Tax ID # (Federal Tax ID or SSN)

Date of Birth or Date Business Filed (MM/DD/YYYY

Area Code

Phone Number

Second Vessel Owner as shown on the USCG Certificate of Documentation or State Registration, or Vessel Lessee.
This section is required only if the vessel is jointly owned and/or if the vessel is leased from the owner.
Photocopy this page if more room is needed.
This entity is a vessel OWNER
Check one

or vessel LESSEE

INDIVIDUAL or SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP

(For lessees only) LEASE START DATE:
JOINT OWNERSHIP

LEASE EXPIRATION DATE:

PARTNERSHIP

CORPORATION

OTHER ____________

Mailing Recipient - Mark this box if you want this entity to receive all mail concerning this permit; mark only one person
Mr/Mrs/Ms

Last Name or Name of Business

First Name

Middle Name

Suffix JR,SR,etc.

Mailing Address

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/parish

Zip Code

Country

Physical Address

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/parish

Zip Code

Country

Check box if same as Mailing Address

Tax ID # (Federal Tax ID or SSN)

Date of Birth or Date Business Filed (MM/DD/YYYY

Area Code

Phone Number

REMINDER: THE APPLICANT MUST SIGN THE APPLICATION IN THE SIGNATURE SECTION ON PAGE 7
Page 4

4. OFFICER/SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION FOR ENTITIES THAT OWN OR LEASE THE VESSEL
This page must be filled out if a company/business is listed as the owner or the lessee of the vessel in Section 4.
Copy this page as needed to provide information on all persons that are officers/shareholders of the business/company shown in Section
If this vessel is owned or leased by a business, then complete this section for each officer or partner associated with the business. You must provide the
information for all officers that are shown on your most recent annual report. If your business is structured as a corporation, you are required to identify all
shareholders in the corporation that own at least 1% of the shares, as well as the percentage of all shares in the corporation held by each shareholder.
Please mark the box indicating there are minor shareholders if you have shares holders that individually hold less than 1% of the shares of the company.The
total of all entries must be 100 percent unless you have minor shareholders.

Owner or lessee of the vessel:

Owner

Lessee

Business name:

Federal Tax ID #

All individuals associated with the above-named vessel owner or lessee must be included in this application. Photocopy this page or attach additional
sheets as necessary to list all officers, directors, shareholders, and registered agents of the business. Provide their name, Social Security Number,
address, phone number, date of birth, and position held in business.
Position held - check ALL that apply
President/CEO

Vice President

Secretary

Treasurer

Director/Manager

Shareholder

Other

Percent (%) of Corporation Held
Mr/Mrs/Ms

Last Name

First Name

Middle Name

Suffix JR,SR,etc.

Mailing Address

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/parish

Zip Code

Country

Physical Address

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/parish

Zip Code

Country

Check box if same as Mailing Address

Date of Birth

Tax ID # (SSN)

Area Code

Phone Number

Position held - check ALL that apply
President/CEO

Vice President

Secretary

Treasurer

Director/Manager

Shareholder

Other

Percent (%) of Corporation Held
Mr/Mrs/Ms

Last Name

First Name

Middle Name

Suffix JR,SR,etc.

Mailing Address

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/parish

Zip Code

Country

Physical Address

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/parish

Zip Code

Country

Check box if same as Mailing Address

Tax ID # (SSN)

Date of Birth

Area Code

Phone Number

MINOR SHAREHOLDERS - Check here if one or more shareholders individually holds shares that is less than 1% of the total shares of the company.
TOTAL PERCENTAGE (%) of the company shares held by minor shareholder(s)

Page 5

5. HISTORICAL CAPTAIN OR OTHER INCOME QUALIFIER (DESIGNATED OPERATOR)
Provide information on person who is the Historical Captain for Gulf of Mexico Charter/Headboat Historical Captain permit(s) and/or the
designated Operator (income qualifier) who is not the vessel owner or lessee, or related through business association to the vessel owner
or lessee, as listed in Section 4 or Section 5 of this application.

Please complete this section of the application only if you are applying for:
* A Gulf of Mexico Charter/Headboat permit with a Historical Captain provision (renewal or transfer),
* A King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Reef Fish, or Commercial Spiny Lobster permit for which you have met the
income qualification requirement by using the fishing income of a designated operator who is not a vessel owner or lessee as
listed in Section 4 of this application. Nor is an officer or a shareholder of a business that owns or leases the vessel, as listed
in Section 5 of this application.
Please complete the bottom part of this section of the application only if you are applying for:
* A King Mackerel or Spanish Mackerel permit for which you have met the income qualification requirement by using the
fishing income of a company that is not the vessel owner or lessee as listed in Section 4 of this application.
For all other applications, this section should be blank.
This person is a (check all that apply):
Historical Captain for Gulf of Mexico Charter/Headboat for Reef Fish
Historical Captain for Gulf of Mexico Charter/Headboat for Coastal Migratory Pelagic Fish
Income Qualifier (Designated Operator other than Permit Holder) for: (check all that apply)
Commercial King Mackerel

Mr/Mrs/Ms

Commercial Spiny Lobster

Last Name

Spanish Mackerel

Reef Fish

First Name

Middle Name

Suffix - Jr,Sr,etc

Mailing Address

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/parish

Zip Code

Country

Physical Address

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/parish

Zip Code

Country

Check box if same as Mailing Address

SSN

Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY)

Area Code

Phone Number

6. SNAPPER-GROUPER POTS OR GOLDEN CRAB TRAPS.
COMPLETE THIS SECTION ONLY IF YOU FISH WITH SEA BASS POTS IN THE SOUTH ATLANTIC SNAPPER-GROUPER
FISHERY OR YOU HAVE GOLDEN CRAB TRAPS. TAGS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL POTS/TRAPS (SEE NOTE).
NOTE: Trap and Pot information is required. Each pot or trap must have the commercial vessel permit number permanently affixed so as to be easily
distinguished, located and identified. For Sea Bass Pots, an identification tag for this purpose must be ordered through the NMFS Southeast Regional Office
from Floy Tag Inc. For Golden Crab traps, an identification tag for this purpose may (but is not required to) be ordered through the NMFS Southeast Regional
Office from Floy Tag Inc. Or tags for Golden Crab traps may be obtained from a different source through your efforts and expense.

Tag cost is $1.50 per tag made payable by check or money order to Floy Tag, Inc.
What color is your Buoy for Sea Bass Pots or Golden Crab Traps?

Color

If you have an existing buoy color code for ANY other trap or pot fishery,
list it here.

Color

South Atlantic Sea Bass Pot/Golden Crab Trap Information
Size: H x L x W (in inches)

Number of Pots/Traps
Mesh size (in inches)
Height x Width

IF SECTION 6 OF THIS PAGE IS FILLED OUT, THE HISTORICAL CAPTAIN OR OTHER INCOME QUALIFIER SHOWN IN SECTION 6 MUST SIGN
THE SIGNATURE SECTION AS THE APPLICANT IN SECTION 8.
Page 6

Payment Reminder: All applications must include payment of a non-refundable application fee in the form of a check or money order made
payable to the U.S. Treasury. The fee required is $25.00 for the first permit or endorsement and $10.00 for each additional permit or
endorsement requested with each application. Checks returned for insufficient funds will result in the issuance of a Notice of Intent to Annul the
permit(s) for which the check was submitted as payment. Further non-payment will result in the eventual annulment of the permits(s).
FEE SCHEDULE FOR PERMITS AND ENDORSEMENTS:
1: $25
2: $35
3: $45
4: $55
5: $65
10: $115
11: $125
12: $135
13: $145
14: $155
19: $205
20: $215
21: $225
22: $235
24: $245

6: $75
15: $165

7: $85
16: $175

8: $95
17: $185

9: $105
18: $195

7. SIGNATURE FOR APPLICATION - REQUIRED
The undersigned certifies under penalty of perjury that the foregoing information is true and correct (28 USC 1746; 18 USC 1621; 18 USC 1001,
16 USC 1857). Further, the undersigned certifies that if a spiny lobster tailing permit is requested, the applicant routinely fishes commercially in Federal
waters on trips of up to 48 hours or more and that such fishing activity requires the separation of the tail and carapace to maintain quality product.
Please note: If the vessel listed in Section 1 is leased, the applicant who signs below must be an individual named as a lessee in Section 4, or an officer or
shareholder of the lessee as listed in Section 5. If the vessel listed in Section 1 is not leased, the applicant must be an individual named as an owner in
Section 4, or an officer or shareholder of the owner as listed in Section 5.
Position in Company

Applicant Signature

Date

Print Name

8. INCOME QUALIFICATION AFFIDAVIT FOR INCOME QUALIFIED PERMITS
An Income Qualification Affidavit is now accepted as proof of meeting permit income qualification requirements. This signed Income Qualification
Affidavit is required with every application to renew or transfer an income qualified permit (as listed below).
Knowingly supplying false information or willfully overvaluing any fishing income for the purpose of obtaining a permit is a violation of Federal law
punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment.

Commercial Spiny Lobster
50CFR640.4(A)(2) An applicant
must provide the following
information: (vi) A sworn statement
by the applicant for a vessel permit
certifying that at least 10 percent of
his or her earned income was
derived from commercial fishing,
that is, sale of the catch, during the
calendar year preceding the
application.

King Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel

50CFR622.4(a)(iii) To obtain or
renew a commercial vessel permit
for king mackerel, at least 25
percent of the applicant's earned
income, or at least $10,000, must
have been derived from commercial
fishing (i.e., harvest and first sale of
fish) or from charter fishing during
one of the 3 calendar years
preceding the application.

50CFR622.4(a)(iv) To obtain or
renew a commercial vessel permit
for Spanish mackerel, at least 25
percent of the applicant's earned
income, or at least $10,000, must
have been derived from commercial
fishing (i.e., harvest and first sale of
fish) or from charter fishing during
one of the 3 calendar years
preceding the application.

The following information applies to my income qualification for the following fisheries:
Commercial Spiny Lobster
King Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel

Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish
50CFR622.4(a)(v) To obtain or
renew a commercial vessel permit
for Gulf reef fish, more than 50
percent of the applicant's earned
income must have been derived
from commercial fishing (i.e.,
harvest and first sale of fish) or from
charter fishing during either of the 2
calendar years preceding the
application.

Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish

I, ________________________________________, hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing information is
true and correct. (28 USC 1746; 18 USC 1621; 18 USC 1001; 16 USC 1857). I agree to provide the necessary documentation
to prove that I met the earned income requirement when so requested by the National Marine Fisheries Service.
Executed on ______________________.
(date signed)
_____________________________________ _______________________________________________
Printed Name
Signature
_____________________________________ _______________________________________________
Business Name (If Applicable)
Type of Business (If Applicable)
_____________________________________

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments
regarding this burden estimate or any other suggestions for reducing this burden to: PRA Officer, National Marine Fisheries Service, F/SER2, 263 13th
Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
The National Marine Fisheries Service requires this information for the conservation and management of marine fishery resources. The data reported will be
used to develop, implement, and monitor fishery management activities for a variety of other uses. Responses to this collection are required to obtain or
retain a fisheries permit under the Magnuson - Stevens Act. Name and address information will be released via a NOAA website. All other data submitted
will be handled as confidential material in accordance with NOAA Administrative Order 216-100, Protection of Confidential Fishery Statistics.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subjected to a penalty for failure to comply with,
a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB
Control Number.
Page 7

Instructions for the Federal Permit Application for Vessels Fishing in the
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
Rev 05/18/2011
General Instructions:
In addition to the instructions provided herein, applicants with specific questions are encouraged to contact
the Permits Office at (727) 824-5326 or toll free at (877) 376-4877 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET, and to
consult the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations whose guidance for application requirements, permit
eligibilities, and related information will always prevail. (Incomplete or illegible applications will be returned.)
1. Complete all applicable sections of this application form. Incomplete or illegible applications will be returned. Applications should be typed,
or hand printed and should be filled out in ink.
2. The application fee is $25 for one fishery and $10 for each additional fishery and is non-refundable. A check or money order payable
to the U.S. TREASURY must accompany each application. There is a fee schedule on page 6 of the application and further along in these
instructions to assist you in determining the total amount to pay for your permits.
th

3. Mail the application, payment, and all required supporting documentation to: National Marine Fisheries Service (F/SER14), 263 13
Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Questions may be telephoned to our toll free number at (877) 376-4877 or 727/824-5326 between 8
am - 4:30pm ET. If you would like your permit and associated documents returned to you overnight, enclose a completed, pre-paid air bill and
envelope, complete with your physical street delivery address (non US Post Office services do not deliver to PO Boxes), telephone number, and
account number or major credit card number with the expiration date. Please note, using the prepaid overnight delivery option does not expedite
permit processing. It only expedites delivery of your completed permit package.
4. If transferring a Gulf of Mexico charter/headboat vessel permit, a copy of a valid U.S. Coast Guard Operator of Uninspected Passenger
Vessel License (commonly referred to as a 6-pack license) or a valid U.S. Coast Guard Masters License must be provided, along with any other
requested information. A valid U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection must be provided if passenger capacity of the vessel is greater than 6
passengers. A valid temporary Certificate of Inspection will be accepted.
5. Each vessel issued a Rock Shrimp (South Atlantic) or a Rock Shrimp (Carolinas Zone) permit or an Atlantic Dolphin/Wahoo (charter/
headboat or commercial) permit, when at sea or offloading, is required to have on board at least one person who has a Federal operator permit
card issued by the NMFS Southeast Regional Office or the NMFS Northeast Regional Office.
6. Requests to renew or transfer permits will not be processed until all required reporting requirements (e.g., logbooks, the MRIP For-Hire
telephone survey, etc) have been met. Noncompliance with any reporting requirement will preclude processing of all permit transaction
requests. To avoid delays, ensure you comply with all reporting requirements in a timely manner and in advance of any permit application
requests. Send your logbook report(s) to National Marine Fisheries Service, Research Management Division, Logbook Program, P.O. Box
491500, Key Biscayne, FL 33149-9915. Questions concerning your reporting requirements should be phoned to the Research Management
Division at 305/361-4581. We cannot renew or transfer your permit(s) until all reporting requirements (e.g., logbook submission) are met.
7. An Income Qualification Affidavit is now accepted as proof of meeting permit income qualification requirements. A signed Income
Qualification Affidavit will be required with every application to renew or transfer an income qualified permit. The blank Income Qualification
Affidavit is included on page 6 of this application.
8. Applications to transfer permits for which the Federal Regulations restrict transfers to certain family members or to a vessel with certain
characteristics may be required to submit documentation to verify their eligibility for such transfers. The applicable United States Code of federal
regulations is available on line at http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/regulations/reg.htm
In accordance with Federal regulations, any change in your permit information must be reported in writing to NMFS within 30 days of
the change.
APPLICATION SECTION 1 Unless otherwise exempted by the application form, complete all portions of Section 1. Enter the Official Number
and the length of the vessel as they appear on the U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation; or if not documented, the state registration
certificate. If applying for a Highly Migratory Species commercial swordfish or shark permit issued without a vessel write “NO VESSEL” in the
field for USCG Official Number. For charter/headboats that are inspected, list the greatest passenger capacity listed on the USCG Certificate of
Inspection. A vessel’s passenger capacity does not include the captain and crew.
APPLICATION SECTION 2
Indicate the fishery and transaction type for each permit requested in this application.
APPLICATION SECTION 3
Enter the information of the person/business shown as the “owner” on the U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation or, if not
documented, from the state registration certificate. If there is more than one vessel owner shown on the USCG documentation or the vessel is
titled to more than one person, provide the required information for all listed owners. If additional space is needed, please photocopy the blank
page as many times as is necessary to provide information on all vessel owners and lessees.
If the owner/qualifier is an individual, provide the owner’s date of birth and enter the Social Security Number (taxpayer ID information). If the
person shown as the “owner” is a corporation or partnership, provide the date that the corporation was filed or the partnership was formed and
1

the company’s Federal Tax ID number (taxpayer ID information). If corporations are in an INACTIVE status, permits will not be issued.
If the vessel is leased, also provide information on all vessel lessees. If lessee is an individual, provide the owner’s date of birth and enter the
Social Security Number (taxpayer ID information). If the person shown as the “lessee” is a corporation or partnership, provide the date that the
corporation was filed or the partnership was formed and the company’s Federal Tax ID number (taxpayer ID information). If corporations are in
an INACTIVE status, permits will not be issued.
If the vessel is leased, provide a copy of the signed (both parties) and dated lease agreement (see the Renewal and Initial (New) Issuance of
permits section (below) of these instructions for lease requirements).
If any entities named as a vessel owner or for leased vessels named as vessel lessee are also an income qualifier for permits associated with
this application, indicate the permits for which their income has been used for income qualification and submit a signed Income Qualification
Affidavit.
APPLICATION SECTION 4
If the application is for a vessel that is owned by corporation, partnership, or other business entity, then information on the owner’s officers/
shareholders is required. Information on all officers/shareholders associated with the vessel owners and/or lessees is required. If additional
space is needed, please photocopy the blank page as many times as is necessary to provide information on all officers/shareholders associated
with the vessel owners and lessees.
PLEASE NOTE: you are no longer required to submit articles of incorporation/organization or an annual report for businesses that hold permits,
own or lease vessels.
If any individuals named as an officer or shareholder of the vessel owner, or for leased vessels named as an officer or shareholder of the vessel
lessee, are also an income qualifier for permits associated with this application, indicate the permits for which their income has been used for
income qualification, and submit a signed Income Qualification Affidavit.
If the company holds IFQ shares, indicate what percentage of the company each person listed owns. The percentages reported must equal
100%.
APPLICATION SECTION 5
Complete this section only for applications that include:
 Gulf of Mexico Charter/Headboat permits with a Historical Captain provision, or
 King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Reef Fish, and/or Commercial Spiny Lobster permit which has been income qualified using the fishing
income of an operator who is neither a vessel owner or lessee as listed in Section 3 of this application, nor is an officer of a business
that owns or leases the vessel, as listed in Section 4 of this application.
For all other applications, this section should remain blank.
APPLICATION SECTION 6 Complete this section only if you fish with pots in the snapper-grouper fishery or traps in the golden crab fishery off
the southern Atlantic states. A separate check or money order for pot or trap tags ($1.50 per tag) payable to FLOY TAG INC. must be provided.
Pot Tags are required for use in the snapper-grouper fishery. Trap Tags are optional for the golden crab fishery. Tags will be mailed directly
from Floy Tag Inc., and will not be sent with the permit package.
APPLICATION SECTION 7 The application must be signed and dated by the vessel owner or for leased vessels by the vessel lessee. For
corporate owned or leased vessels, an officer or shareholder of the vessel owner or vessel lessee must sign and date the application.
APPLICATION SECTION 8
An Income Qualification Affidavit is now accepted as proof of meeting permit income qualification requirements.
The affidavit is a signed promise, under penalty of perjury, that the applicant meets the federal income qualification requirements for the income
qualified permit(s) and will provide such income documentation if NMFS requests such documentation. You are not required to provide tax or
income documents unless we specifically ask for them. A signed Income Qualification Affidavit will be required with every application to renew
an income qualified permit.

RENEWAL AND INITIAL (NEW) ISSUANCE OF PERMITS


All permit renewal and first issuance requests must include, as a minimum: an application, the appropriate fees, and a copy of the
unexpired U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation or state registration certificate. Please note - we cannot accept a bill of sale
as documentation or registration.



If the vessel is leased/rented/leased to own, include a copy of the current lease agreement. The lease must state who is leasing what
vessel (identified by USCG Documentation or if not documented, then state registration number) to whom, what date the lease begins
and what specific date the lease expires. The lease must run for a minimum of 7 months, and if you anticipate a long term arrangement,
let the lease run for a number of years. Both the vessel owner(s) and the lessee(s) must sign and date the lease agreement.



To ensure that your renewal goes as quickly and smoothly as possible, send your logbook report(s) to National Marine Fisheries
Service, Research Management Division, Logbook Program, P.O. Box 491500, Key Biscayne, FL 33149-9916. Questions
concerning your reporting requirements should be phoned to the Research Management Division at 305/361-4581. We cannot renew
your permit(s) until all logbook reporting requirements are met.

2

TRANSFERS


All permit transfer requests must include, as a minimum: an application, the original permits with appropriate signatures on the back,
the appropriate fees, and a copy of the unexpired U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation or state registration certificate.



SIGNATURES ON PERMITS: provide the valid (not expired) ORIGINAL (not a copy) transferable permit(s) with the signatures of the
seller on the reverse of the permit.
o If the sellers are a joint ownership, ALL persons that sell the permit MUST sign the permit.
o The seller’s signature(s) must be notarized.
o Print the name of the new permit holder (individual(s) or business) as the receiving vessel permit owner.
o If transferring to a different vessel owned by the same entity (person or business), no signatures are required unless the
permit(s) is a Gulf of Mexico Charter/Headboat Permit(s).
o Signatures are required to transfer Gulf of Mexico Charter/Headboat Permit(s) to certify that you have removed the
charter/headboat permit sticker from the old vessel.
o Permits sold by a business must be signed by an officer or shareholder of the business. The correct format must include the
signature, the person’s position in the business and the company name, for example:
John Doe, President, ABC Fishing Inc.



Applications for the transfer of Gulf of Mexico Charter/Headboat permits must provide a copy of the unexpired USCG Operator of
Uninspected Passenger Vessel License or Masters License. And, if larger than a 6-pack, you must also provide a copy of the vessel’s
unexpired Certificate of Inspection (COI).



Gulf of Mexico Charter/Headboat permits (including Historical Captain permits) may not be transferred to a vessel that has a larger U.S.
Coast Guard passenger capacity rating than the permit’s baseline passenger rating. For example, a 10 passenger permit may not be
transferred to a vessel with a COI with a highest rating of 12 passengers. Permits with a 6 passenger rating (6 pack) may only be
transferred to an uninspected vessel (another “6 pack” vessel).



Upon transfer of a Gulf of Mexico moratorium Coastal Migratory Pelagic Charter/Headboat permit and/or Gulf of Mexico
moratorium Reef Fish Charter/Headboat permit, the Federal Charter/Headboat decal must be removed from your vessel.



New owners of Limited Access/Moratorium permits must meet the earned income requirement not later than the first full calendar year
after the issuance of the permit.



Transfer of Atlantic SHARK or SWORDFISH or TUNA permits for swordfish handgear or swordfish and shark directed permits and
Atlantic Tuna Long Line permits are subject to vessel size increase limitations.



An ATLANTIC TUNA LONGLINE permit must be transferred to either a vessel that already has shark and swordfish permits assigned
to it, or must be transferred along with shark and swordfish permits to a vessel that has none of these permits. Any vessel size and
horsepower limits will apply.



If the vessel is leased/rented/leased to own, include a copy of the current lease agreement. Both the vessel owner(s) and the lessee(s)
must sign and date the lease agreement. The lease must state the beginning and ending dates of the lease term. Expired permits
may not be transferred.

 The following permits and endorsements are NOT transferable:
Charter
South Atlantic Charter/headboat for Coastal Migratory Pelagics
South Atlantic Charter/headbaot for Snapper-Grouper
Atlantic Charter/headboat for Dolphin/Wahoo

Commercial
Atlantic Dolphin/Wahoo - Commercial
Spiny Lobster
Spanish mackerel
Spiny Lobster Tailing
Rock Shrimp (Carolinas Zone)
Gulf of Mexico Royal Red Shrimp Endorsement

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SOUTH ATLANTIC GOLDEN CRAB FISHERY
 The South Atlantic EEZ is divided into three fishing zones as follows: (i) northern zone; (ii) middle zone; and (iii) southern zone. Permits have been issued for
a single zone. Effective May 3, 2002, through May 3, 2005, a vessel with a documented overall length greater than 65 ft with a southern zone permit may
fish in that zone (except in the subzone – see below), and may also fish in the northern zone without changes to the vessel permit; such vessel may
discontinue fishing in the northern zone and return to fish in the southern zone without changes to the vessel permit. A vessel with a permit to fish
for golden crab in the northern zone or the middle zone will continue to be authorized to fish only in that zone. A vessel may possess golden crab only in a
zone in which it is authorized to fish under this measure, except that other zones may be transited if the vessel notifies NMFS, Office of Enforcement,
Southeast Region, St. Petersburg, FL, by telephone (727-570-5344) in advance of the fishing trip.
 The historical (5,000-lb.) catch requirement for renewing a commercial vessel permit for golden crab is no longer in effect.
 Renewal of your vessel’s golden crab permit requires submission of all reports to National Marine Fisheries Service, Research Management Division, Logbook
Program, P.O. Box 491500, Key Biscayne FL 33149-9916 as required under the Magnuson-Stevens Act; and you must not be subject to a sanction or denial.
During the year 2002 and subsequent years when an application is required, a commercial vessel permit will not be renewed if the permit is
revoked or if NMFS does not receive the required application for renewal by June 30 of that year (i.e., within six months after the permit's expiration
date of December 31 each year). Your permit’s expiration date is shown on the permit.
 To obtain a permit for the middle or southern zone via transfer, the documented length overall of the replacement vessel may not exceed the
documented overall length, or aggregate documented overall lengths, of the replaced vessel(s) by more than 20 percent. The owner of a vessel
permitted for the middle or southern zone who has requested that NMFS transfer that permit to a smaller vessel (i.e., downsized) may subsequently request
NMFS transfer that permit to a vessel of a length calculated from the length of the permitted vessel immediately prior to downsizing. There are no vessel size
limitations to obtain a permit for the northern zone via transfer.

3

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SOUTH ATLANTIC GOLDEN CRAB FISHERY (cont.)
 A small-vessel sub-zone is established within the southern zone bounded on the north by 24o15' North latitude, on the south by 24o07’ North
latitude, on the east by 81o22’ West longitude, and on the west by 81o56' West longitude. No vessel with a documented length overall greater than
65 ft may fish for golden crab in this sub-zone. A vessel with a documented length overall of 65 ft or less that is permitted for the southern zone
may fish for golden crab only in this sub-zone.


DUPLICATE OR REPLACEMENT PERMITS
To request replacement of lost permits the USCG Official Number and/or the State Registration Number fields of Section 1 must be
completed. Section 2 must be completed to indicate for which permit(s) duplicates are requested. The application must be signed in
Section 7 by a permit owner. A check or money order for $18 payable to the U.S. Treasury must accompany the application.

FEES
Fees for permit or endorsement renewal, initial issuance, and transfers are $25 for the first permit or endorsement and $10 for each additional
permit or endorsement.
1 = $25
2 = $35
3 = $45
4 = $55
5 = $65
6 = $75
7 = $85
8 = $95
9 = $105
10= $115
11= $125
12= $135
11= $145
14= $155
15= $165
16= $175
17= $185
18= $195
19= $205
20= $215
21= $225
22= $235
23= $245
24= $255
25= $265
A flat rate fee of $18 is accessed for replacement of one or more permits issued to a single vessel.
EARNED INCOME OR GROSS SALES REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL PERMITS
KING & SPANISH MACKEREL

REEF FISH (GULF OF MEXICO)

SPINY LOBSTER

Percentage of earned income

At least 25%

More than 50%

At least 10%

Gross sales alternative

More than $10,000 in sales of fish

N/A

N/A

Source of earned income

Commercial, charter, or headboat

Commercial, charter, or headboat

Sale of catch

Time frame for qualification

One of three years prior to
application

Either of two years prior to
application

Year prior to application

The following fisheries permits do not have an income qualification requirement:
COMMERCIAL
CHARTER/HEADBOAT
Atlantic Dolphin/Wahoo - Commercial
Shark Directed or Incidental
Swordfish Directed, Incidental, or Handgear
Rock Shrimp (Carolinas Zone)
Rock Shrimp (South Atlantic EEZ)
Spiny Lobster Tailing
South Atlantic Unlimited Snapper-Grouper excluding Wreckfish
South Atlantic 225 lb. Trip Limit Snapper-Grouper excluding Wreckfish
Gulf of Mexico Shrimp
Gulf of Mexico Royal Red Shrimp Endorsement
Eastern Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Bottom Long Line Endorsement
Atlantic Tuna Longline
South Atlantic Penaeid Shrimp
Golden Crab

Atlantic Dolphin/Wahoo - Charter
Gulf of Mexico Coastal Migratory Pelagic Fish Charter/Headboat
South Atlantic Coastal Migratory Pelagic Fish Charter/Headboat
South Atlantic Charter for Snapper-Grouper
Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Charter/Headboat

An Income Qualification Affidavit is now accepted as proof of meeting permit income qualification requirements. A signed Income Qualification
Affidavit will be required with every application to renew an income qualified permit.
KNOWINGLY SUPPLYING FALSE INFORMATION OR WILLFULLY OVERVALUING ANY FISHING INCOME FOR THE PURPOSE OF
OBTAINING A PERMIT IS A VIOLATION OF FEDERAL LAW PUNISHABLE BY A FINE AND/OR IMPRISONMENT.
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of
information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other suggestions for reducing this burden to: PRA Officer, National Marine
th
Fisheries Service, F/SER2, 263 13 Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
The National Marine Fisheries Service requires this information for the conservation and management of marine fishery resources. The data
reported will be used to develop, implement, and monitor fishery management activities for a variety of other uses. Responses to this collection
are required to obtain or retain a fisheries permit under the Magnuson - Stevens Act. Non-confidential information may be released via a NOAA
Fisheries website. Non-confidential information means: Name, Street Address, City, State, Zip Code, Effective Date of Permit, Permit Types,
Vessel Name, Vessel Identification Number, and in the case of a “for hire” vessel the Passenger Capacity, or individual, corporate and lease
holders of permits. All other data submitted will be handled as confidential material in accordance with NOAA Administrative Order 216-100,
Protection of Confidential Fishery Statistics. Notwithstanding any other provisions of the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any
person be subjected to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction
Act, unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number.

4

ACTIVITIES FOR WHICH PERMITS ARE REQUIRED
OPEN ACCESS PERMITS (New permits may be issued; these permits may NOT be transferred)
ATLANTIC DOLPHIN-WAHOO CHARTER VESSEL/HEADBOAT- For a person aboard a vessel that is operating as a charter vessel/headboat to fish for or
possess a dolphin-wahoo in or from Federal waters in the Atlantic, an Atlantic dolphin-wahoo charter vessel/headboat permit must be issued to that vessel. There
are no earned income or landing requirements for this permit. An owner of a charter vessel/headboat who desires to sell dolphin is required to obtain a dolphinwahoo commercial vessel permit (see below) in addition to the charter vessel/headboat permit. (The sale of wahoo harvested in the Atlantic EEZ by a vessel
operating as a charter vessel/headboat is not allowed.) The permit will only be valid if there is someone on the vessel that has a valid Vessel Operator Permit
Card issued by the Southeast Regional Office of NMFS or by the Northeast Regional Office of NMFS.
ATLANTIC DOLPHIN-WAHOO COMMERCIAL - A vessel must be issued an Atlantic dolphin-wahoo commercial permit to be eligible for exemption from the bag
and possession limits for dolphin-wahoo in the Atlantic EEZ or to sell dolphin-wahoo harvested in the Atlantic EEZ. . The permit will only be valid if there is
someone on the vessel that has a valid Vessel Operator Permit Card issued by the Southeast Regional Office of NMFS or by the Northeast Regional Office of
NMFS.
SOUTH ATLANTIC COASTAL MIGRATORY PELAGIC CHARTER OR SNAPPER-GROUPER CHARTER - For a person aboard a vessel that is operating as a
charter vessel or headboat to fish for or possess a coastal migratory pelagic fish or snapper-grouper in or from Federal waters off the southern Atlantic states, a
charter permit must be issued to the vessel and be on board. These permits do NOT allow for the sale of fish caught under these permits.
SOUTH ATLANTIC PENEAID SHRIMP - For a person aboard a trawler to fish for penaeid shrimp (brown, pink, or white shrimp) in the South Atlantic EEZ or
possess penaeid shrimp in or from the South Atlantic EEZ, a valid (not expired) commercial vessel permit for South Atlantic penaeid shrimp must have been
issued to the vessel and must be on board.
GULF OF MEXICO ROYAL RED SHRIMP ENDORSEMENT – For a person aboard a vessel to fish for royal red shrimp in the Gulf of Mexico EEZ or possess
royal red shrimp in the Gulf of Mexico EEZ, a valid vessel permit for Gulf of Mexico shrimp and a royal red shrimp endorsement must have been issued to the
vessel and must be on board. This endorsement is not transferable.
SPANISH MACKEREL - For a person aboard a vessel in Federal waters to be eligible for exemption from the bag limits and to fish under a commercial allocation
for Spanish mackerel, a commercial permit must be issued to the vessel and be on board. At time of application income criteria must be submitted. If applying for
a Spanish mackerel permit, earned income or gross sales requirement must be met at time of application. See Earned Income or Gross Sales Requirements for
Commercial Permits on page 4 of these instructions.
SPINY LOBSTER - For a person aboard a vessel in Federal waters off of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, or Alabama to be exempt from the daily catch and
possession limit, a commercial spiny lobster permit must be issued to the vessel and be on board. Florida's requirements apply to a vessel fishing in Federal
waters off Florida. The daily bag or possession limit for spiny lobster in or from the EEZ of the southern Atlantic states other than Florida (North Carolina, South
Carolina, and Georgia), is two per person for recreational and commercial fishing year round. To possess a separated spiny lobster tail in or from Federal waters,
a tail-separation permit must be issued to the vessel and be on board. Tail separation permits may only be obtained for vessels that, due to the nature of the
fishing, are required to remain at sea for 48 hours or longer. To obtain a lobster tailing permit, you must possess a Florida Saltwater Products License (SPL) or if
you do not have a Florida SPL, you must possess or simultaneously obtain a valid Federal Spiny Lobster (LC) permit. If applying for a commercial spiny lobster
permit, the income requirement must be met at time of application. See Earned Income Requirements for Commercial Permits on page 4 of these instructions.
SOUTH ATLANTIC ROCK SHRIMP (CAROLINAS ZONE) - For a person aboard a fishing vessel to fish for rock shrimp in Federal waters from the Virginia/North
Carolina border to the East Coast of Florida, either a Rock Shrimp (South Atlantic EEZ) permit or a South Atlantic Rock Shrimp (Carolinas EEZ) permit is required.
A vessel may not be issued both a Rock Shrimp (South Atlantic EEZ) permit and a Rock Shrimp (Carolinas Zone) permit simultaneously. If a vessel has a Rock
Shrimp (South Atlantic EEZ) permit, which is valid (not expired) as of the date of this application, and the vessel owner is applying for a Rock Shrimp (Carolinas
Zone) permit on the same vessel, the Rock Shrimp (South Atlantic EEZ) permit must first be transferred from the vessel or surrendered to NMFS.
LIMITED ACCESS/MORATORIUM PERMITS (new permits will NOT be issued; these permits MAY be transferred)
Please note that charter permits DO NOT allow you to sell fish caught on a charter.
SOUTH ATLANTIC ROCK SHRIMP (SOUTH ATLANTIC EEZ) - For a person aboard a fishing vessel to fish for rock shrimp in Federal waters from Georgia and
the east coast of Florida, a Rock Shrimp (South Atlantic EEZ) permit is required. For a person aboard a fishing vessel to fish for rock shrimp in Federal waters from
the Virginia/North Carolina border to the East Coast of Florida, either a Rock Shrimp (South Atlantic EEZ) permit or a South Atlantic Rock Shrimp (Carolinas EEZ)
permit is required. To transfer a Rock Shrimp (South Atlantic EEZ) permit, the original valid (not expired) permit must be signed and notarized as required, and
returned with the application and all applicable documents. Permits must be renewed within one year of the expiration date – expired permits may not be
transferred*.
A vessel may not be issued both a Rock Shrimp (South Atlantic EEZ) permit and a Rock Shrimp (Carolinas Zone) permit simultaneously. If a vessel has been
issued a Rock Shrimp (Carolinas Zone) permit, which is valid (not expired) as of the date of this application, and the vessel owner is applying for a Rock Shrimp
(South Atlantic EEZ) permit on the same vessel, the Rock Shrimp (Carolinas Zone) permit must first be surrendered to the NMFS. Similarly, if a vessel has been
issued a Rock Shrimp (South Atlantic EEZ) permit, which is valid (not expired) as of the date of this application, and the vessel owner is applying for a Rock
Shrimp (Carolinas Zone) permit on the same vessel, the Rock Shrimp (South Atlantic EEZ) permit must first be transferred from the vessel or surrendered to the
NMFS.
SOUTH ATLANTIC SNAPPER-GROUPER UNLIMITED and 225-LB (EXCLUDING WRECKFISH PERMITS) - For a person aboard a vessel in Federal waters to
be eligible for exemption from the bag limits, to engage in a directed fishery for tilefish or to use a sea bass pot, a commercial permit must be issued to the vessel
and be on board. Permits for the South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishery are under a limited entry program. No new vessels may be permitted except by transfer
of a valid (not expired) permit.
South Atlantic snapper-grouper (excluding wreckfish) 225-lb trip limit permits are only transferable to a vessel owned or leased by the same permit owner.
With the exception of South Atlantic unlimited snapper-grouper (excluding wreckfish) permits transferred from an individual to a “family corporation”, a person
desiring to acquire a permit for South Atlantic unlimited snapper-grouper (excluding wreckfish) must obtain and exchange two such permits for one new permit. If
the South Atlantic unlimited snapper-grouper (excluding wreckfish) permit is transferred from an individual to a “family corporation” made up exclusively of that
individual’s mother, father, brother, sister, son, daughter, and/or spouse, it may be obtained as a one-for-one transfer. However, permits obtained by a “family
corporation” under this 1:1 transfer provision may only be renewed by the family corporation as long as the corporation is comprised exclusively of the mother,
father, brother, sister, son, daughter, or spouse of the individual who originally transferred the permit to the family corporation.
For all South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper permit transfers, the original valid (not expired) permit(s) must be returned with the application and all applicable
documents. Permits must be renewed within one year of the expiration date – expired permits may not be transferred*.
5

LIMITED ACCESS/MORATORIUM PERMITS (CONTINUED)
SOUTH ATLANTIC GOLDEN CRAB - For a person aboard a fishing vessel to fish for Golden Crab in either the Northern Zone, the Middle Zone or the Southern
Zone, a Golden Crab (South Atlantic EEZ) permit is required. To transfer a Golden Crab (South Atlantic EEZ) permit, the original valid (not expired) permit must
be signed and notarized as required and returned with the application and all applicable documents. Permits must be renewed within one year of the
expiration date – expired permits may not be transferred*.
GULF OF MEXICO CHARTER/ HEADBOAT FOR COASTAL MIGRATORY PELAGICS - For a person aboard a vessel that is operating as a charter vessel or
headboat to fish for or possess a coastal migratory pelagic fish in or from Federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico, a moratorium charter permit must be issued to the
vessel and be on board. Permits for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic charter are under a moratorium. No new vessel may be permitted except by transfer of a valid
(not expired) permit. To transfer a Gulf of Mexico Charter/Headboat for Coastal Migratory Pelagic fish permit, the original valid permit must be signed and
notarized as required, and returned with an application and all applicable documents. Permits must be renewed within one year of the expiration date –
expired permits may not be transferred*.
GULF OF MEXICO CHARTER/ HEADBOAT FOR REEF FISH - For a person aboard a vessel that is operating as a charter vessel or headboat to fish for or
possess a reef fish in or from Federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, a moratorium charter permit must be issued to the vessel and be on board. Permits for Gulf of
Mexico reef fish charter are under a moratorium. No new vessel may be permitted except by transfer of a valid (not expired) permit. To transfer a Gulf of Mexico
Charter/ Headboat for Reef Fish permit, the original valid (not expired) permit must be signed and notarized as required and, returned with an application and all
applicable documents. Permits must be renewed within one year of the expiration date– expired permits may not be transferred*.
GULF OF MEXICO COMMERCIAL REEF FISH - As a prerequisite to sell reef fish in or from Federal waters and to be eligible for exemption from the bag limits, a
commercial permit must be issued to the vessel and be on board. Permits for the commercial reef fish fishery are under a limited entry program. No new vessels
may be permitted except by transfer of a valid (not expired) permit. To transfer a Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish permit, the original valid (not expired) permit must be
signed and notarized as required, and returned with the application and all applicable documents. Permits must be renewed within one year of the expiration
date – expired permits may not be transferred*. Please note: Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Permits may only be renewed or transferred on vessels that have an
installed, activated and operational VMS (Vessel Monitoring System).
EASTERN GULF REEF FISH BOTTOM LONGLINE ENDORSEMENT - For a person aboard a vessel, for which a valid (not expired) commercial vessel permit for
Gulf reef fish had been issued, to use a bottom longline for Gulf reef fish in the Gulf EEZ east of 85°30' W. long., a valid eastern Gulf reef fish bottom longline
endorsement must have been issued to the vessel and must be on board. This endorsement must be renewed annually and may only be renewed if the
associated vessel has a valid commercial vessel permit for Gulf Reef Fish or both the endorsement and permit are renewed concurrently. The owner of a vessel
with a valid reef fish bottom longline endorsement may transfer that endorsement to an owner of a vessel that has a valid commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef
fish. To transfer an Eastern Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Bottom Long Line Endorsement, the original valid endorsement must be signed and notarized as
required,eturned with the application and all applicable documents. Endorsements must be renewed within one year of the expiration date – expired
endorsements may not be transferred*.
GULF OF MEXICO SHRIMP - As of March 26, 2007, permits for the Gulf of Mexico shrimp fishery are under a moratorium program. For a person aboard a vessel
to fish for or shrimp in the Gulf of Mexico EEZ or possess shrimp in or from the Gulf of Mexico EEZ, a valid commercial vessel permit for Gulf of Mexico shrimp
must have been issued to the vessel and must be on board. To transfer a Gulf of Mexico shrimp permit, the original valid permit must be signed and notarized as
required and, returned with the application and all applicable documents. Permits must be renewed within one year of the expiration date– expired permits
may not be transferred*.
KING MACKEREL - For a person aboard a vessel in Federal waters to be eligible for exemption from the bag limits and to fish under a commercial allocation for
king mackerel, a commercial permit must be issued to the vessel and be on board. Permits for King Mackerel are under a limited entry program. No new vessel
may be permitted except by transfer of a valid (not expired) permit. To transfer a King Mackerel permit, the original valid (not expired) permit must be signed and
notarized as required, and returned with the application and all applicable documents. Permits must be renewed within one year of the expiration date–
expired permits may not be transferred*.
GILLNET FOR KING MACKEREL - For a person aboard a vessel in Federal waters to use a run-around gillnet for King Mackerel in the southern Florida west
coast subzone, a commercial gillnet permit for King Mackerel must be issued to the vessel and be on board. Gillnet permits for King Mackerel are under a limited
entry program. No new vessel may be permitted except by transfer of a valid (not expired) permit. Gillnet permits for King Mackerel may only be transferred to an
immediate family member (mother, father, husband, wife, son, daughter, brother, sister). To transfer a gillnet for King Mackerel permit, the original valid (not
expired) permit must be signed and notarized as required, and returned with the application and all applicable documents. Permits must be renewed within one
year of the expiration date– expired permits may not be transferred*.
SHARK - As a prerequisite to sell a shark in or from Federal waters and to be eligible for exemption from the bag limits, a commercial permit must be issued to the
vessel and be on board. Permits for the shark fishery are under a limited entry program. No new vessels may be permitted except by transfer of a valid (not
expired) limited entry permit. To transfer a shark permit, the original valid permit must be signed and notarized as required, and returned with the application and
all applicable documents. Permits must be renewed within one year of the expiration date – expired permits may not be transferred*.
SWORDFISH - To fish for or possess swordfish in or from the North Atlantic Ocean, or take swordfish as bycatch, whether or not retained, a commercial permit
must be issued to the vessel and be on board. Permits for the swordfish fishery are under a limited entry program. No new vessels may be permitted except by
transfer of a valid (not expired) limited entry permit. To transfer a swordfish permit, the original valid (not expired) permit must be signed and notarized as required
and, returned with the application and all applicable documents. Permits must be renewed within one year of the expiration date – expired permits may not
be transferred*.
ATLANTIC TUNA LONGLINE: Vessel owners conducting longline operations that may result in the incidental taking of large, medium and giant bluefin or in the
directed/incidental taking of other Atlantic tunas must obtain this permit. The number of longline permits is limited, i.e., a vessel owner seeking to obtain a longline
permit must obtain a longline permit from a qualified permit holder. To transfer an Atlantic Tuna Longline permit, the original valid permit must be signed and
notarized as required, and returned with the application and all applicable documents. Expired permits may not be transferred*. Important: A total of 3 permits
(swordfish, shark, and tuna longline ) must be obtained to use longline to fish for tunas. The shark and swordfish permit may be either directed or incidental.
Directed swordfish and shark permits are subject to upgrading and ownership restrictions. For further information on swordfish, shark, or tuna regulations, please
call the Highly Migratory Species Management Division at (301) 713-2347.
**********************************************************************IMPORTANT INFORMATION***************************************************************************
* For all transferable permits – an expired permit MAY be transferred only when the seller(s) has signed over the permit AND the seller’s signature(s) was
notarized BEFORE the expiration date. Otherwise, an expired permit must be renewed by the permit holder shown on the front of the permit before it can be
signed over for transfer to ownership by another entity. Permits that have been expired for more than 1 year and have been terminated will not be transferred or
renewed.
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