Resources for Fishing
NOAA Fisheries works in partnership with regional fishery management councils to manage fisheries in federal waters, which typically span 3 to 200 nautical miles from shore. Rules and requirements vary by fishing type, area, marine species, and gear type.
In general, fisheries rulemaking, permitting, and other management activities are led by our five regional offices.
Regional Fisheries Resources
Each region has specific resources for permits, rules, regulations, reporting requirements, landings, and other fishery topics.
Recreational Fishing
Do I Need a Recreational Fishing Permit or License?
State Fishing Regulations and Licenses
If you are fishing in state waters (generally 0 to 3 nautical miles off shore), contact your state fish and wildlife agency for a recreational fishing license.
Find state fishing regulations and licenses
Federal Fishing Permits
Since January 1, 2011, a saltwater recreational fishing license or registration from any state or U.S. territory except Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, automatically registers you in the National Saltwater Angler Registry and you do not need to take further action. Otherwise, please visit the registry to ensure you are registered. If you plan on fishing anywhere for highly migratory species—such as tunas and billfish—or for bottomfish in Hawaii, check out the links below to get the permits you need.
Atlantic highly migratory species permits
Hawaiian Islands bottomfish permit
Where Can I Fish?
Anglers on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts can use our comprehensive, online database of public recreational fishing sites from Maine through Mississippi and Puerto Rico. Use the “Guest Login” button to browse recreational access points—and the amenities at each location—in your state.
Search public recreational fishing sites
Fishing in National Marine Sanctuaries
What Can I Catch in Federal Waters?
The eight regional fishery management councils establish specific management measures (such as fishing seasons, size limits, and bag limits) based on the best available science, which are then implemented by NOAA Fisheries. Be sure to review the recreational fishing regulations for the region you are fishing in.
American Samoa Federal Fishing Regulations
Alaska Federal Recreational Fishing Regulations
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Recreational Fishing Compliance Guide
Caribbean Federal Recreational Fishing Regulations (PDF, 14 pages)
Greater Atlantic Federal Recreational Fishing Regulations
Guam Federal Fishing Regulations (PDF, 22 pages)
Gulf of America* Federal Recreational Fishing Regulations
Northern Mariana Islands Federal Fishing Regulations
South Atlantic Federal Recreational Fishing Regulations
Federal Fishing Rules & Regulations
In partnership with the regional fishery management councils, interstate marine fisheries commissions, international fisheries management organizations, and under the guidance of the Magnuson Stevens Conservation and Management Act, NOAA Fisheries plays a key role in the implementation and enforcement of federal fishery rules and regulations in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (3 to 200 nautical miles off shore).
Find recreational and non-commercial fishing rules and regulations
What Responsible Fishing Practices Should I Follow?
Learn what you can do to be a responsible steward of our ocean resources.
- Catch and release
- Seabird release
- Fishing tips to protect sea turtles and marine mammals
- Fishing around sea turtles
How Can I Get Involved?
Find out how you can get involved in monitoring the health of our oceans and fish resources.
- Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program
- Cooperative Research Program
- National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
- Saltonstall-Kennedy Grant Program
- Shark Tagging
Other Resources
*Executive Order 14172, “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness” (Jan. 20, 2025), directs that the Gulf of Mexico be renamed the Gulf of America. Gulf of America references in this website refer to the same area as the Gulf of Mexico in the applicable regulations under 50 CFR parts 216–219, 222–226, and 600–699. The name change did not result in any changes to, and had no effect on the applicability or enforceability of, any existing regulations. This website continues to use “Gulf of Mexico” when quoting statutes, existing regulations, or previously published materials.
Subsistence Fishing
Alaska: Subsistence Fishing Regulations
Subsistence halibut is halibut caught by an eligible rural resident or a member of an eligible Alaska Native tribe for direct personal or family consumption as food, sharing for personal or family consumption as food, or customary trade. Before fishing under the Alaska subsistence fishing halibut regulations, fishermen must obtain a Subsistence Halibut Registration Certificate.
Learn more about subsistence fishing in Alaska
Pacific Islands: Non-Commercial Fishing
NOAA Fisheries recognizes the fundamental role that non-commercial and recreational fishing plays in the livelihoods of Pacific Islanders. We work alongside fishermen, partners, and others to conserve fish populations and protect our unique fishing traditions.
Learn more about non-commercial fishing in the Pacific Islands
West Coast: Tribal Fishing
Many Pacific Northwest Indian tribes have treaties reserving their right to fish in “Usual and Accustomed” fishing places and include many species in addition to salmon and steelhead. These tribes are co-managers of the fishery resource in partnership with the states and federal government.
Fisheries by Region
NOAA Fisheries helps maintain the health and sustainability of our nation's fisheries through five regional offices and six science centers. Use the links below to find regionally specific:
- Rules and regulations
- Permits and licenses
- Online resources
- Other important tools for fisheries in your region
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
