Whiting, Other Hake
About
Permit categories: Vessels fishing for whiting/small-mesh multispecies in an exemption program must possess either an open access (Category K) or limited access (Categories A-F) Northeast multispecies permit.
If the vessel has a limited access Northeast multispecies permit, fishing for whiting may be done while the vessel is not fishing under a day-at-sea (DAS) and while declared "out of the fishery" (DOF), if the vessel is required to operate a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS).
Number of permits in the fishery: In 2017, there were 1,560 Northeast multispecies permits (categories A-F and/or K) issued that were capable of participating in the whiting fishery. Of these, there were 768 Category K (open access small-mesh) permits, specifically, that were issued in 2017. However, because of the nature of the small-mesh multispecies fishery, it is likely that the number of active participants fishing for whiting in 2017 was significantly lower.
Control Date: November 28, 2012.
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: Whiting/small-mesh multispecies may only be sold to persons possessing a valid Federal NE multispecies dealer permit.
How to obtain a federal fishing permit: Anyone with a valid vessel operator’s permit can obtain a federal open access multispecies (small mesh) (Northeast Multispecies Category K) permit.
Recreational anglers need to obtain a general recreational fishing license either through your state or through us to fish recreationally for marine species.
How to Apply
All permits are free of charge. Go to Fish Online to apply online.
For assistance, please contact our Permit Office by emailing us at NMFS.GAR.Permits@noaa.gov or by calling (978) 282-8438.
What Happens After You Submit
After we process an online permit application, you will need to print your permit from your Fish Online account. We will not be mailing paper permits back to you once your permit has been issued.