2026 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Exempted Fishing and Related Permits: Comments Requested and Applications for the Shark Research Fishery

NOAA Fisheries Requests Comments on 2026 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Exempted Fishing and Related Permits

NOAA Fisheries intends to issue exempted fishing permits, scientific research permits, display permits, letters of acknowledgement, and shark research fishery permits for the research and collection of Atlantic highly migratory species in 2026.

These exempted fishing and related permits exempt permit holders from specific portions of the regulations for activities such as scientific research, data collection, and public display, in Federal waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of America, and Caribbean Sea.

NOAA Fisheries will accept comments on exempted fishing and related permits through January 14, 2026.

Additionally, NOAA Fisheries is Now Accepting Applications for the 2026 Shark Research Fishery

NOAA Fisheries is accepting applications from commercial fishermen with Atlantic shark Directed or Incidental limited access permits for participation in the 2026 shark research fishery.

The shark research fishery permit allows commercial fishermen to land sandbar and other shark species from federal waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of America, and Caribbean Sea. NOAA Fisheries may provide participants monetary compensation for some fishing trips when fishing according to specific requirements. Shark research fishery trips are subject to 100-percent observer coverage. NOAA Fisheries uses the scientific data collected by fishery observers in shark stock assessments and for other fishery management needs.

Shark research fishery permits issued in 2026 will be valid from the date of issuance through December 31, 2026, unless otherwise specified. They are only valid for the specific vessel and owner(s) listed on the permit and are subject to the terms and conditions listed on the permit.

NOAA Fisheries will consider completed applications through January 14, 2026.

Applications are available on the NOAA Fisheries website.