Combination Swordfish/Tunas Permits (Open Access)
About
This combination of permits authorizes vessels to commercially fish for North Atlantic swordfish and regulated Atlantic tunas. Anglers may combine the Swordfish General Commercial permit and one of three categories of the Atlantic Tunas permit: General or Harpoon. You will be prompted to select a category during the application process.
These permits must be renewed annually.
Species Covered By This Permit
- North Atlantic Swordfish
- North Atlantic Albacore Tuna
- Western Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
- Atlantic Bigeye Tuna
- Atlantic Yellowfin Tuna
- Atlantic Skipjack Tuna
What You Will Need
To obtain these permits, you must complete an application, submit supporting documentation, and pay the application fee. If you want to include a shark endorsement on your permit, you will also have to watch a short video and answer several shark identification questions. To complete the application, you will need the following personal and vessel information.
Personal information:
- First name
- Last name
- Home (billing) address and zip code
- Day time telephone number
- Mobile phone number
Vessel information:
- U.S. Coast Guard documentation number and/or state registration number for the vessel
- Vessel name
- Home port city and state
- Principal port city and state
- Length (in feet)
- Year built
- Crew size
- Construction (e.g., wood)
- Gross tonnage
- Propulsion (e.g., gasoline)
- Main engine horsepower
- Hold capacity in pounds (if applicable)
How to Apply
In most cases, you can apply or renew these permits in one of several ways. If the vessel you wish to permit has been permitted before by a different owner, your application must be processed by phone by a customer service representative. Call 888-872-8862, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern. This is extremely important in order to maintain the permit history for the vessel.
Online
This is the best option for applying for or renewing these permits. Visit the pages below to start the application process.
Permits purchased or renewed online can be paid online with a major credit card. A fee is added to cover the costs of managing the permitting system.
Downloaded Package
PDF application packages are available for download from our permit site. Complete the application by hand and mail it to NOAA Fisheries at the address provided in the application. You can pay by money order or with a major credit card.
Mailed Package
You may request an initial or renewal application package be mailed to you by calling the NOAA Fisheries Customer Service Center at 888-872-8862. Once you've completed the application, by mail it to NOAA Fisheries at the address provided. You can pay by money order or with a major credit card.
By Phone
This option is only available for those renewing a permit. Call (888) 872-8862. Customer service representatives are available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern. You can pay by money order or with a major credit card.
What Happens After You Submit
If you purchase or renew your permits online, you’ll have the opportunity to print your permits at the end of the application or renewal process. You can choose to have them sent to you via mail, email, or fax.
For all other application methods, you should receive your permit by mail in 1–2 weeks.
Regardless of how you apply, you can check the status of your application from the HMS Permit Shop using the permit number or order confirmation number.
Once Your Permit is Issued
The hardcopy of these permits must be onboard the vessel in order to fish for, take, retain, or possess the species identified above. The vessel operator must make the permits available for inspection if requested by any NOAA Fisheries or NOAA Fisheries-authorized personnel.