Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops

If this is your first workshop, you must attend in person. If you have already attended an in-person workshop and need to recertify, you can choose between in-person and online workshops.

Questions? 

Call the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Division at (301) 427-8503.

Online Recertification

You will need your most recent workshop certificate. You must provide the exact name, business name (if applicable) and the Identifier number from your certificate, as well as the email address and cell phone number that you provided at the in-person workshop. You won’t be able to register if the information provided doesn’t match what we have on file.

Please review the User Guide for the Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop prior to registering.

Take the online course

In-Person Certification

Instructor:

Angler Conservation Education (386) 682-0158

Cost: Free

Requirements

Attendance is Required if:

1. You are a commercial vessel owner or operator
2. You use longline or gillnet gear
3. You hold one or more of these permits:
   • Shark directed limited access 
   • Shark incidental limited access 
   • Swordfish directed limited access
   • Swordfish incidental limited access

If you do not meet the conditions but would still like to attend a workshop, please contact Angler Conservation Education at (386) 682-0158 to check availability.

Certificates must be

1. Renewed every three years
2. Submitted with your shark or swordfish permit renewal application each year.
3. Kept on board your vessel as proof of certification.

Dates and Locations

All workshops will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

2025

January 7, 2025

Faro Blanco Resort Curio by Hilton
1996 Overseas Highway
Marathon, Fl, 33050

February 4, 2025

Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown Portsmouth
100 Deer Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801

March 6, 2025

Holiday Inn Express - Houston Medical Center
9300 S. Main St.
Houston, Texas 77025

Registration 

Call Angler Conservation Education (386) 682-0158 to make a reservation. 

What to Bring

Vessel Owner

1. Proof of identification.
2. A copy of the permit(s).
3. A copy of the vessel registration or documentation.

Representative of a Business or Co-Owned Vessel

1. Proof of identification.
2. A copy of the permit(s).
3. Proof that the participant is a co-owner of the business or vessel.

Vessel Operator

1. Proof of identification.

For more information please see the Federal Register Notice.

Workshop Resources

Handouts from in-person training.