All commercial and for-hire vessels fishing for federally managed species 3 to 200 nautical miles offshore must obtain required permits prior to fishing.
The only way to apply for new vessel and dealer permits is by using the electronic forms found in our Fish Online web portal. In order to access Fish Online, you will need a user account. If you already have a user account, you do not need to create another one. Once you log in to Fish Online, look for "Application Forms" in the left margin.
If you do not have a Fish Online account, visit our How to Create a Fish Online Account web page for information.
These application forms are available at Fish Online:
For assistance, please contact our Permit Office by emailing us at NMFS.GAR.Permits@noaa.gov or by calling (978) 282-8438.
All permits are free and will be issued within 30 days of receipt of your complete application.
You can also apply for these research permits online:
If you have questions about a research permit, contact Ryan Silva, Sustainable Fisheries Division, at (978) 281-9326 or Ryan.Silva@noaa.gov.
Visit the U.S. Coast Guard Vessel Documentation Center for information and forms, or search for vessel documentation information, such as a vessel history, title, or lien.
Search for active dealer, vessel, or operator permit information.
Download a spreadsheet of vessel, dealer, operator, or tuna permit information.
To get information on which permits you need, please check our list of fishing permits, or log in to your account on Fish Online.
If you have questions, contact us at (978) 282-8438 or NMFS.GAR.Permits@noaa.gov.
The Fishadelphia team. Credit: Dr. Talia Young.
Four North Atllantic right whales.
A Northeast Fisheries Science Center biologist collecting data during buoyless lobster trap tests.
Atlantic sea scallops