Federal Permit Application for Vessels Fishing in the EE

OMB No. 0648-0205 Form Approval Expires: 10/31/2014

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)
http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
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.

SECTION 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

FIBERGLASS

GASOLINE

STEEL

OTHER (DESCRIBE)

WOOD

HAILING PORT STATE

CEMENT
OTHER

USCG DOCUMENTED VESSELS ONLY
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) You must provide a copy of
your valid USCG COI for renewals
and transfers.

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

FUEL CAPACITY TOTAL GALLONS

TOTAL HORSEPOWER

PRODUCT
STORAGE (check
all that apply)
ON ICE IN HOLD,
FISH BOX, ICE
CHEST, COOLER
ETC.,
FREEZER
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 TBD

SECTION 2. OPEN ACCESS PERMITS and ENDORSEMENTS
INSTRUCTIONS: Find the permits 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

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 have a valid Gulf of Mexico Shrimp (SPGM) permit to obtain this endorsment.)
HMS COMMERCIAL CARIBBEAN SMALL BOAT (CCSB)

FOR LOBSTER TAILING PERMIT APPLICANTS ONLY:
LOBSTER TAILING APPLICANTS: To obtain a lobster tailing permit you must possess a Florida SPL with Restricted Species and Crawfish endorsements.
If you do not have a Florida SPL with Restricted Species and Crawfish Endorsements, 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

The South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper complex (commercial and charter) includes Snappers, Groupers, Tilefishes, Seabasses, Hogfish, Jacks, Grunts,
Porgies, Spadefishes, Triggerfishes and Wreckfish. For a detailed list, refer to Table 4 of Appendix A to 50 CFR 622.
The South Atlantic Coastal Migratory Pelagic group consists of King Mackerel, Cerro Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia and Little Tunny.
NEW

OPEN ACCESS CHARTER/HEADBOAT PERMITS

RENEWAL

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

Applicants that want a Highly Migratory Species (HMS) permit for Tunas (other than Atlantic Tuna Longline) for either Charter or Recreational Angling
should call 1-888-USA-TUNA or visit 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

SECTION 3. 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 Mackerel, 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

KING MACKEREL (KM)
GILLNET FOR KING MACKEREL (GN)
GULF OF MEXICO SHRIMP (SPGM)
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)
SOUTH ATLANTIC SEA BASS POT ENDORSEMENT (SBPE)
SOUTH ATLANTIC GOLDEN TILEFISH ENDORSEMENT (GTFE)
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

SECTION 4. INDIVIDUAL VESSEL OWNER(S) AND LESSEE INFORMATION
Copy this page as needed to provide the required information on all persons that own or lease this vessel.
Does your USCG Documentation or State Registration show the vessel owner as a person or persons?

YES - Use this Page
for the vessel owner(s).

NO - Skip this Page go
to the next page.

1) Please complete section 4a 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.
2) Complete the section 4b of this page for a joint owner if the vessel is jointly owned by more than one person. If the vessel is leased, complete section 4b
for the person 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. 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.

Section 4a - Vessel Owner as shown on the USCG Certificate of Documentation, or for Undocumented vessels,
the State Registration.
If the Documentation or State Registration shows one person's name as the owner, list it here.
Is this person a United States Citizen
or or permanent resident alien?

MAILING RECIPIENT All
- mail about this permit will go to the person listed in this section.

Mr/Mrs/Ms

Last Name

Tax ID # (SSN)

First Name

YES

NO

Suffix JR,SR,etc.

Middle Name

Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY)

Area Code

Phone Number

Mailing Address

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/Parish

Zip Code

Country

Street Address (PO Box not acceptable)

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/Parish

Zip Code

Country

Check box if same as Mailing Address

Answer questions 1 and 2 before moving on to section 5.
1. Does your USCG Documentation or State registration show more than one person as the vessel owner?

YES - Use this
Page for the
vessel owner(s).

2. Is a person or persons leasing this vessel from the vessel owner
YES - Use section 4b for the vessel
lessee(s) information.

NO - It is a business, Skip section 4b and put
lessee information in section 5b.

NO - Do not fill out this
section unless the
vessel is leased.

NO - Skip section 4b.

Section 4b - Vessel Lessee OR Additional Vessel Owner as shown on the USCG Certificate of Documentation
or for undocumented vessels, the State Registration.
If the USCG Documentation, State Registration or title shows more than one person as the owner, provide the second person's
information here. If there are more than two persons, photocopy this blank page to provide additional information.

For LEASED Vessels:

Lease Start
Date:

Lease End
Date:

MAILING RECIPIENT All
- mail about this permit will go to the person listed in this section.
Mail is automatically sent to the lessee per regulations.

Mr/Mrs/Ms

Last Name

Tax ID # (SSN)

Is this person a United States Citizen
or permanent resident alien?

First Name

Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY)

Middle Name

Area Code

YES

NO

Suffix JR,SR,etc.

Phone Number

Mailing Address

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/Parish

Zip Code

Country

Street Address (PO Box not acceptable)

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/Parish

Zip Code

Country

Check box if same as Mailing Address

Page 4

SECTION 5. BUSINESS VESSEL OWNER AND LESSEE INFORMATION
Copy this page as needed to provide the required information on all businesses that own or lease this vessel.
Does your USCG Documentation or State Registration show a business as the vessel owner?
Is a business leasing this vessel from the vessel owner?

YES - Use section 5b
for the vessel lessee(s).

YES - Use this Page
for the vessel owner(s).

NO - Go back to the
previous page.

NO - There is no lease involved skip section 5b.

1) Please complete section 5a if the owner is a business as shown on the USCG Certificate of Documentation or, if not documented, on the state registration
certificate. If the vessel is jointly owned by more than one business, please enter the information for the managing (primary) owner in section 5a.
2) Complete section 5b of this page if a business is a joint owner of the vessel. OR if the vessel is leased by a business, provide the information for the
business 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. 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.

Section 5a - Vessel Owner as shown on the USCG Certificate of Documentation, or for Undocumented vessels,
the State Registration.
If the Documentation or State Registration shows one business name as the owner, list it here. If there are two business's that
own the vessel, list the managing business in section 5a and the second business in section 5b.
MAILING RECIPIENT All
- mail about this permit will go to the business listed in section 5a.

Is this business a U.S. Corporation, a U.S. partnership, or other business
entity established under the laws of the United States or any State of the
United States?

YES

NO

Registered Name of Business

Tax ID # (FEIN)

Date Business Formed (MM/DD/YYYY)

Area Code

Phone Number

Mailing Address

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/Parish

Zip Code

Country

Street Address (PO Box not acceptable)

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/Parish

Zip Code

Country

Check box if same as Mailing Address

Section 5b - Vessel Lessee or Additional Vessel Owner as shown on the USCG Certificate of Documentation
or for Undocumented vessels, the State Registration.
If the Documentation, State Registration or Title shows more than one business as the owner, provide the second owner's
information here. If there are more than two businesses, photocopy the blank page to provide additional information.

For LEASED Vessels:

Lease Start
Date:

Lease End
Date:

MAILING RECIPIENT All
- mail about this permit will go to the business listed in section 5b. Mail is automatically sent to the lessee as required by regulations.

Is this business a U.S. Corporation, a U.S. partnership, or other business
entity established under the laws of the United States or any State of the
United States?

YES

NO

Registered Name of Business

Tax ID # (FEIN)

Date Business Formed (MM/DD/YYYY)

Area Code

Phone Number

Mailing Address

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/Parish

Zip Code

Country

Street Address (PO Box not acceptable)

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/Parish

Zip Code

Country

Check box if same as Mailing Address

Page 5

SECTION 6 . OFFICER/SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION FOR BUSINESS(ES) THAT OWN OR LEASE THE VESSEL
This page must be filled out if the owner or the lessee of the vessel is a business.
Copy this page as needed to provide information on all persons that are officers/shareholders of the business shown in Section 5.
Complete this section for each officer or partner associated with the business that owns or leases the vessel. You must provide the information for all
officers 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. Also provide the percentage of all corporate shares held by each shareholder. Please mark the box
indicating there are minor shareholders if you have sharesholders that individually hold less than 1% of the business shares. The total of all entries must be
100 percent.

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

Percent (%) of Corporation Held

Mr/Mrs/Ms

Treasurer

Director/Manager

Shareholder

Is this business entity a United States Citizen
or permanent resident alien?

Last Name

First Name

Other

YES

NO

Suffix JR,SR,etc.

Middle Name

Mailing Address

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/Parish

Zip Code

Country

Street Address (PO Box not acceptable)

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

Percent (%) of Corporation Held

Mr/Mrs/Ms

Treasurer

Director/Manager

Is this person a United States Citizen
or permanent resident alien?

Last Name

Shareholder
YES

First Name

Other
NO

Middle Name

Suffix JR,SR,etc.

Mailing Address

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/Parish

Zip Code

Country

Street Address (PO Box not acceptable)

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 Shareholder information
MINOR SHAREHOLDERS - Check here if one or more shareholders individually holds shares that is less than 1% of the total shares of the business(es)
TOTAL PERCENTAGE (%) of the business shares held by minor shareholder(s)
Page 6

SECTION 7 - HISTORICAL CAPTAIN OR
DESIGNATED OPERATOR (INCOME QUALIFIER)
Provide information on the person who is the Historical Captain for Gulf of Mexico Charter/Headboat Historical Captain permit(s). Also
provide info if the Designated Operator (income qualifier) is not the vessel owner or lessee (as designated in section 4 or 5), or listed in
section 6 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. This designataed operator is
neither a vessel owner or lessee as listed in Section 4 or 5 of this application, nor is an officer or a shareholder of a
business listed in Section 6 of this application.
For all other applications, section 7 should be blank. This will be the case for most applications.

This person is a (check all that apply):

A Historical Captain MUST sign
Section 9 as the applicant.

Historical Captain for Gulf of Mexico Charter/Headboat for Reef Fish
Historical Captain for Gulf of Mexico Charter/Headboat for Coastal Migratory Pelagic Fish

A Designated Operator MUST sign Section 9 as
the operator along with the applicant.

Designated Operator (Income Qualifier other than Permit Holder) for:
Commercial King Mackerel

Check all that apply:
Mr/Mrs/Ms

Commercial Spiny Lobster

Last Name

Spanish Mackerel

First Name

Reef Fish

Middle Name

Suffix JR,SR,etc.

Mailing Address

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/Parish

Zip Code

Country

Street Address (PO Box not acceptable)

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/Parish

Zip Code

Country

Check box if same as Mailing Address

Tax ID # (SSN)

Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY)

Area Code

Phone Number

SECTION 8 - SEA BASS POTS OR GOLDEN CRAB TRAPS
COMPLETE THIS SECTION ONLY IF YOU HOLD A SEA BASS POT ENDORSEMENT WITH A SOUTH ATLANTIC
SNAPPER-GROUPER PERMIT OR if YOU HAVE GOLDEN CRAB TRAPS. TAGS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL
POTS/TRAPS (SEE 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. 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 - tags for Golden Crab traps may be obtained from a different source through your efforts and expense.

Tag cost is $1.80 per tag made payable by check or money order to Floy Tag, Inc.
I need tags for:

Sea Bass Pots

Golden Crab Traps

What color are your buoys for Sea Bass Pots or Golden Grab Traps?

Color

List an existing buoy color code for ANY other trap or pot fishery.

Color

South Atlantic Sea Bass Pot/Golden Crab Trap Information
Pot or Trap
Height (inches)

Pot or Trap:
Length (inches)

Number of Pots/Traps

Pot ot Trap
Width (inches)
Page 7

Mesh size
(inches) Height

You are allowed a MAXIMUM of
35 Sea Bass Pots.
Mesh size
(inches) Width

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

SECTION 9 - 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 6.
Applicant Signature

Position in Business

Date

Print Name

Designated Operator
Signature

Date

SECTION 10 - 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

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)____________________________
Position In 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 8

Instructions for the Federal Permit Application for Vessels Fishing in the
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
Rev 12/06/2012
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 8 of the application
and in these instructions to assist you in determining the total amount to pay for your permits.
3. Mail the application, payment, and all required supporting documentation to: National Marine Fisheries Service (F/SER14),
th
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 8 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.

1

APPLICATION SECTIONS 2 AND 3
Indicate the fishery and transaction type for each permit requested in this application. If you are applying for a Lobster Tailing
Permit, you must also have a Spiny Lobster Permit OR a valid (unexpired) State of Florida Saltwater Products License with a valid
(unexpired) Crawfish Endorsement. You must provide the information and a copy of your SPL. Your SPL may be issued to either
the vessel OR the permit holder.
APPLICATION SECTIONS 4 AND 5
Enter the information about the vessel “owner” as shown on the U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation or, if not
documented, on the state registration certificate. The vessel owner may be a person (or persons) OR a business. 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 in Section 4. If additional space is needed, photocopy the blank page as many times as is
necessary to provide information on all vessel owners and lessees.
Address (mailing AND street address if different) and telephone information is required for all owners and lessees. If the owner is
an individual (or individuals), provide the owner’s date of birth and enter the Social Security Number (taxpayer ID information) in
Section 4. If the entity shown as the “owner” is a business, provide the date that the business was filed or the partnership was
formed and the business’s Federal Tax ID number (taxpayer ID information) in Section 5. If the business is found to be 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) in Section 4. If the “lessee” is a business or partnership, provide
the date that the business was filed or the partnership was formed and the business’s Federal Tax ID number (taxpayer ID
information) in Section 5. If the business is found to be 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 6
If the application is for a vessel that is owned by a 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 business holds IFQ shares, indicate what percentage of the business each person listed owns. The percentages reported
must equal 100%.
APPLICATION SECTION 7
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 a Designated Operator who is neither a vessel owner or lessee as listed in Section 4 or 5 of
this application, nor is an officer of a business that owns or leases the vessel, as listed in Section 6 of this application.
For all other applications, this section should remain blank.
APPLICATION SECTION 8 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 9 The application must be signed and dated by the vessel owner or for leased vessels by the vessel
lessee. For vessels owned or leased by a business, an officer or shareholder of the business must sign and date the application.
If a Designated Operator is used, that person must also sign in this section.
2

APPLICATION SECTION 10 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 is 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 331499916. 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.

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 any Gulf of Mexico Charter/Headboat permits: If the vessel transferring to is a USCG
inspected vessel with a USCG Certificate of Inspection (COI), you must provide a copy of the vessel’s unexpired COI. If
no COI is provided, the vessel will be automatically considered to be a “6 pack.” It is no longer required to provide a copy
of your USCG Master’s or Operator of Uninspected Vessel License.



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
3

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/headboat for Snapper-Grouper
Atlantic Charter/headboat for Dolphin/Wahoo

Commercial
Atlantic Dolphin/Wahoo - Commercial
Spiny Lobster
Spiny Lobster Tailing
Spanish Mackerel
Rock Shrimp (Carolinas Zone)
Gulf of Mexico Royal Red Shrimp Endorsement
HMS Caribbean Commercial Small Boat

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 (727-5705344) 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 MagnusonStevens 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.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SOUTH ATLANTIC GOLDEN CRAB FISHERY (cont.)
o
 A small-vessel sub-zone is established within the southern zone bounded on the north by 24 15' North latitude, on the
o
o
o
south by 24 07’ North latitude, on the east by 81 22’ West longitude, and on the west by 81 56' 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 and/or Section 3 must be completed to indicate which duplicate permit(s) are requested. The
application must be signed in Section 9 by a permit owner. A check or money order for a total of $18 payable to the U.S.
Treasury must accompany the application.
4

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
EARNED INCOME OR GROSS SALES REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL PERMITS
KING MACKEREL

SPANISH MACKEREL

SPINY LOBSTER

Percentage of earned
income

At least 25%

More than 25%

At least 10%

Gross sales alternative

More than $10,000 in sales of
fish

More than $10,000 in sales of
fish

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

One of three 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
Atlantic Dolphin/Wahoo – Charter/Headboat
Shark Directed or Incidental
South Atlantic Coastal Migratory Pelagic Fish
Charter/Headboat
Rock Shrimp (Carolinas Zone)
South Atlantic Charter for Snapper-Grouper
Swordfish Directed, Incidental, or Handgear
Gulf of Mexico Coastal Migratory Pelagic Fish
Charter/Headboat
Rock Shrimp (South Atlantic EEZ)
Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Charter/Headboat
Spiny Lobster Tailing
South Atlantic Unlimited Snapper-Grouper excluding Wreckfish
South Atlantic 225 lb. Trip Limit Snapper-Grouper excluding Wreckfish
South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Sea Bass Pot Endorsement
South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Golden Tilefish Endorsement
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
HMS Commercial Caribbean Small Boat
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 40 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. 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.
5

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 dolphin-wahoo 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 snappergrouper 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 PENAEID 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 tailseparation 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.
CARIBBEAN TUNAS, SWORDFISH and SHARKS - For a person aboard a vessel LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO 45 feet in
registered length to fish for or possess, with the intention to sell, bigeye, albacore, yellowfin, and skipjack tunas; swordfish; and
allowable shark species in the U.S. Caribbean EEZ (Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), a valid (not expired) HMS
Commercial Caribbean Small Boat (CCSB) commercial vessel permit must have been issued to the vessel and must be on board.
The vessel may not have a CCSB permit and be issued any other valid tuna, swordfish and/or shark permits assigned to it at the
same time.

6

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, a valid 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. NMFS will not
issue new South Atlantic Snapper Grouper Unlimited or 225-lb permits.
• A vessel owner intending to obtain a South Atlantic Snapper Grouper unlimited permit must transfer existing valid (not
expired) permit(s) from another vessel. NMFS will transfer a single Snapper Grouper Unlimited permit only to the permit holder’s
immediate family (e.g. mother, father, brother, sister, son, daughter, or spouse). A vessel owner intending to obtain a South
Atlantic Snapper Grouper unlimited permit from a permit holder who is not in the vessel owner’s immediate family must obtain and
exchange two such permits for one permit to be issued.
• South Atlantic snapper-grouper (excluding wreckfish) 225-lb trip limit permits are only transferable to a vessel owned or
leased by the same permit holder. To transfer a Snapper Grouper permit, submit the original valid permit along with an application
and all applicable documents.
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*.
SOUTH ATLANTIC SEA BASS POT ENDORSEMENT - For a person aboard a vessel in Federal waters to use a South Atlantic
Sea Bass pot, in addition to a South Atlantic Snapper Grouper Unlimited permit, an endorsement to the commercial South Atlantic
Snapper-Grouper permit must be issued to the vessel and be on board. Endorsements for the South Atlantic Sea Bass pots are
under a limited entry program. NMFS will not issue any new endorsements. A vessel owner intending to obtain a South Atlantic
Sea Bass Pot Endorsement must transfer an existing valid or renewable endorsement from another vessel. To transfer an
endorsement, submit the original valid or renewable endorsement (with the seller’s notarized signature) along with an application
and all applicable documents. NMFS must receive an application to renew or transfer a South Atlantic Sea Bass Pot
Endorsement within one year of the endorsement’s expiration date or the endorsement will become non-renewable and
non-transferable.
SOUTH ATLANTIC GOLDEN TILEFISH ENDORSEMENT - For a person aboard a vessel in Federal waters to use longline gear
for South Atlantic Golden Tilefish, in addition to a South Atlantic Snapper Grouper Unlimited permit, an endorsement to the
commercial South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper permit for Golden Tilefish must be issued to the vessel and be on board.
Endorsements for the Golden Tilefish are under a limited entry program. NMFS will not issue any new endorsements. A vessel
owner intending to obtain a South Atlantic Golden Tilefish Endorsement must transfer an existing valid or renewable endorsement
from another vessel. To transfer an endorsement, return the original valid or renewable endorsement (with the seller’s notarized
signature) along with an application and all applicable documents. NMFS must receive an application to renew or transfer a
South Atlantic Golden Tilefish Endorsement within one year of the endorsement’s expiration date or the endorsement
will become non-renewable and non-transferable.
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 6 months of the expiration date – expired permits
may not be transferred*.

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LIMITED ACCESS/MORATORIUM PERMITS (CONTINUED)
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, returned 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*.
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LIMITED ACCESS/MORATORIUM PERMITS (CONTINUED)
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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