Permits

Find information on federal fishing permits and fishery reporting requirements by region for recreational, commercial, and subsistence fishing in the United States.

Alaska

• Applications & Forms
• Current Permit Holders
• Reporting Forms

Southeast

• Southeast Permits
• Caribbean Permit Applications
• Gulf of Mexico Permit Applications
• South Atlantic Permit Applications
• Current Permit Holders

New England/Mid-Atlantic

• Permit Information
• Greater Atlantic Region Permits
• Current Permit Holders
• Vessel Reporting
• Dealer Reporting

West Coast

• Permit Information
• Permit Applications

Pacific Islands

• Permit Applications
• Current Permit Holders

Atlantic Highly Migratory Species

• Permit Information
• Permit Applications
• Current Permit Holders
• Reporting Forms

Other Permit Applications

Resources

• Sustainable Fisheries
• Resources for Fishing
• Reporting a Death/Injury of a Marine Mammal During Commercial Fishing Operations

Online Permitting Systems

• NOAA Fisheries Permits Portal
• eFISH (Alaska only)
• FishOnline (New England/Mid-Atlantic only)
• Highly Migratory Species
• Southeast Fisheries Permit System (renewals only)

Find information on directed and incidental take permits and authorizations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act.

What Type of Permit/Authorization Are You Seeking?

Directed Take Permits & Authorizations

For activities that are purposefully directed at protected species:

• Scientific Research and Enhancement
• West Coast Salmon, Steelhead, and Sturgeon
• Commercial/Educational Photography
• Public Display
• Import/Export/Selling Parts

Incidental Take Permits & Authorizations

For activities that are not directed at protected species, but may still affect them:

• Endangered/Threatened Species
• Marine Mammals
• Commercial Fishing Operations

APPS Online Permitting System

• Determine If You Need a Permit and What Kind
• Apply Online
• View Permit Applications Available for Public Comment
• Submit Annual and Final Reports

Marine Mammal Authorization Program

• For Commercial Fishing: Marine Mammal Authorization Program
• Reporting Form: Death/Injury of a Marine Mammal During Commercial Fishing Operations

Incidental Take Authorizations

Incidental take authorizations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Issued, in-process, and expired incidental take authorizations:

• Construction
• Military Readiness
• Oil and Gas
• Other Energy Activities (Renewable/LNG)
• Research and Other Activities

Incidental Take Permits

ESA Section 10(a)(1)(b) permits for taking of endangered or threatened species incidental to an otherwise lawful activity.

• How to Apply
• Received and Issued Permit Applications

More Information

Learn more about permitting and reporting:

• Overview: Permits and Authorizations for Protected Species
• Permitting Glossary
• Reporting Requirements for Protected Species Permits
• Programmatic Approach to Permitting Scientific Research and Enhancement
• Public Display of Marine Mammals
• Protected Species Parts
• Using Unmanned Aircraft Systems For Scientific Research - Permitting Info