Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish
About
Permit Categories
| Permit Category | Type | Description | Permits Issued in 2014 | Number of Permits in Confirmation of Permit History* |
| Category 1 | Limited Access | Longfin Squid/Butterfish Moratorium | 298 | 88 |
| Category 2 | Open Access | Squid/Mackerel/Butterfish Charter Party | 703 | Not Applicable |
| Category 3 | Open Access | Squid/Butterfish Incidental Catch | 1,608 | Not Applicable |
| Category 4 | Open Access | Atlantic Mackerel | 1,761 | Not Applicable |
| Category 5 | Limited Access | Illex Squid Moratorium | 69 | 10 |
| Category T1 | Limited Access | Mackerel Tier 1 | 32 | 3 |
| Category T2 | Limited Access | Mackerel Tier 2 | 24 | 3 |
| Category T3 | Limited Access | Mackerel Tier 3 | 82 | 12 |
*A Confirmation of Permit History (CPH) allows a vessel owner to retain permit eligibility in the event the vessel has been destroyed or sold but the owner retains the permit eligibility. The permit in Confirmation of Permit History may then be placed on a vessel at a later date.
Control Dates:
Mackerel: March 21, 2007
Longfin Squid: May 16, 2013
Shortfin Squid: August 2, 2013
Butterfish: May 16, 2013
Other Permit Information: Vessels fishing for mackerel that are less than 165 feet in length overall, less than 750 gross registered tons, or have a shaft horsepower less than 3,000 may receive one of the mackerel permits listed above. Mackerel vessels larger than any of these measurements should contact our Permits Office at (978) 282-8438 for information on how to get an at-sea processing permit.
Commercial Operator Permit: Operator cards are required for any operator of a charter/party boat or a commercial vessel (including carrier and processor vessels) issued a vessel permit from the Greater Atlantic Region and fishing for or in possession of fish.
Commercial Dealer/Processor Permit: Atlantic mackerel, squid, and/or butterfish may be sold only to persons possessing a valid federal Atlantic mackerel, squid, and/or butterfish dealer permit.
How to obtain a federal fishing permit: Anyone with a valid vessel operator’s permit can obtain a federal open access Atlantic mackerel, squid, or butterfish permit.
Commercial (moratorium) permits have been managed under a limited entry system for longfin, shortfin, and butterfish since 1996, and since 2012 for Atlantic mackerel; no new moratorium permits for these species are being issued.
Species Covered By This Permit
- Atlantic Mackerel
- Shortfin Squid
- Longfin Squid
- Butterfish
How to Apply
All permits are free of charge. Go to Fish Online to apply online.
For assistance or to request that an application be mailed to you, contact our Permit Office at (978) 282-8438.
What Happens After You Submit
Once we receive your complete application, you will receive your permit within 30 days.