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New regulations are in effect for recreational anglers who target highly
migratory species (HMS) in state waters and in federal waters of the Atlantic,
Gulf of Mexico, and U.S. Caribbean. Highly migratory species are Atlantic
tunas (bluefin, yellowfin, bigeye, skipjack, and albacore), sharks, swordfish,
billfish (sailfish, spearfish, and blue and white marlin). Federal waters
extend from 3 to 200 miles on the Atlantic coast and from 9 to 200 miles on
the Gulf coast of Florida. Below are the new regulations that will affect
Florida anglers.
HMS Angling Permit
Recreational anglers that target any HMS fish must purchase a federal
permit. The permit is issued to the fishing vessel, so it will cover all anglers
onboard. Anglers can apply for a permit online at www.nmfspermits.com or
by calling 1-888-872-8862. This permit is not required for anglers fishing for
billfish, swordfish, and sharks in state waters.
HMS Reporting
Any HMS fish caught in federal waters (excluding sharks and non-bluefin
tunas) that is landed (killed and brought to shore) must be reported to NOAA
fisheries within 24 hours.
Call 1-800-894-5528 to report landings of swordfish and billfish, and
1-888-872-8862 to report bluefin tuna landings. In addition, new state
regulations require persons landing billfish and swordfish caught in state
waters to report to NOAA at the phone number above.
Swordfish Bag Limit
Anglers are now limited to 1 swordfish per person with a vessel limit of 3
per boat, per day in both federal and state waters . Regardless of the length
of the trip, no more than the daily limit may be possessed onboard a vessel.
This bag limit includes charter boats and head boats. Swordfish harvested
from both federal and state waters must be landed in whole condition.
For more information about federal HMS regulations, visit
www.nmfs.noaa.gov
migratory species (HMS) in state waters and in federal waters of the Atlantic,
Gulf of Mexico, and U.S. Caribbean. Highly migratory species are Atlantic
tunas (bluefin, yellowfin, bigeye, skipjack, and albacore), sharks, swordfish,
billfish (sailfish, spearfish, and blue and white marlin). Federal waters
extend from 3 to 200 miles on the Atlantic coast and from 9 to 200 miles on
the Gulf coast of Florida. Below are the new regulations that will affect
Florida anglers.
HMS Angling Permit
Recreational anglers that target any HMS fish must purchase a federal
permit. The permit is issued to the fishing vessel, so it will cover all anglers
onboard. Anglers can apply for a permit online at www.nmfspermits.com or
by calling 1-888-872-8862. This permit is not required for anglers fishing for
billfish, swordfish, and sharks in state waters.
HMS Reporting
Any HMS fish caught in federal waters (excluding sharks and non-bluefin
tunas) that is landed (killed and brought to shore) must be reported to NOAA
fisheries within 24 hours.
Call 1-800-894-5528 to report landings of swordfish and billfish, and
1-888-872-8862 to report bluefin tuna landings. In addition, new state
regulations require persons landing billfish and swordfish caught in state
waters to report to NOAA at the phone number above.
Swordfish Bag Limit
Anglers are now limited to 1 swordfish per person with a vessel limit of 3
per boat, per day in both federal and state waters . Regardless of the length
of the trip, no more than the daily limit may be possessed onboard a vessel.
This bag limit includes charter boats and head boats. Swordfish harvested
from both federal and state waters must be landed in whole condition.
For more information about federal HMS regulations, visit
www.nmfs.noaa.gov
| New Regulations For Highly Migratory Species |
All About Florida Keys Fishing & Key West Fishing
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