Resources for Fishing: Recreational Fishing | NOAA Fisheries
Source: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/resources-fishing/recreational-fishing
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:18
Resources for Fishing: Recreational Fishing | NOAA Fisheries
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Resources for Fishing
Resources for Fishing
Commercial, Recreational, and Subsistence Fishing Resources
Resources for commercial, recreational (sport), and subsistence fishing across the U.S. regions.
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.
Image
Regional Fisheries Resources
Each region has specific resources for permits, rules, regulations, reporting requirements, landings, and other fishery topics.
Alaska fisheries
New England/Mid-Atlantic fisheries
Pacific Islands fisheries
Southeast fisheries
West Coast fisheries
More Information
Sustainable Fisheries
Regional Fisheries Management Councils
Permits and Forms
Rules and Regulations
Funding and Financial Services
Fishery Bulletins
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species
Fishing and Offshore Renewable Energy
Permits & Forms
There are a variety of permitting requirements associated with fishing in federal waters. Find permit information for commercial fishermen, recreational fishermen, for-hire fishing, seafood dealers, and seafood traders.
Find fishing, dealer, and trade permits
Rules & Regulations
Find current rule-making actions—the latest notices and proposed rules open for comment, as well as final rules for various fishery management plans and related amendments.
Find fishery rules and regulations
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species
Atlantic highly migratory species are very popular with saltwater anglers. These fish live throughout the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico), and Caribbean waters and include tuna, sharks, swordfish, and billfish.
Learn more about Atlantic highly migratory species
Regional Fishery Management Councils
The MSA created eight regional fishery management councils responsible for the fisheries in their region that require conservation and management. The councils develop and amend fishery management plans, set annual catch limits, develop research priorities, implement rebuilding plans, and conduct public meetings.
Find your regional fishery management councils
Commercial Fishing
Commercial fishing regulations and requirements in federal waters can vary by area, marine species, and gear type. Find region-specific tools and resources:
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
(including the Gulf of America and Caribbean)
West Coast
If a fish species is managed through both state and federal regulations, federally permitted commercial fishermen must follow the more restrictive regulations regardless of where they are operating.
Commercial fishermen operating in state waters must follow rules and requirements set by the state or U.S. territory.
Federal Commercial Fishing Permits
Our
regional offices
issue most federal commercial fishing permits. Commercial fishing vessels may need multiple federal permits or a combination of federal and state permits to participate in various fisheries.
All commercial fishing permits
All dealer, importer, and exporter permits
Online Permit Systems
Many federal commercial fishing permits can be acquired or renewed online through our National Permit System or regionally managed online systems.
National Permit System
Fishermen can apply for P
acific highly migratory species, West Coast coastal pelagic species, Hawai'i domestic and foreign fishing, and international trade permits through our
National Permit System
.
Regional Permit Systems
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Permit Shop
*
eFISH
(Alsaka)
FishOnline
(New England/Mid-Atlantic)
Southeast Fisheries Permit System
(renewals only)
Pacific Coast Groundfish and Halibut Portal
*Some Atlantic HMS permits are issued by our Greater Atlantic or Southeast regional offices. Learn where to apply in the
permit descriptions
.
Commercial Fisheries Landings
Our
commercial landings database
allows visitors to build custom landings reports of non-confidential data. The data is organized by fishing type, year, region, state, and marine species.
The data presented in this database may not match the data in published versions of Fisheries of the United States or in other online landings queries. Visit the database for details.
About the data
Fishery Management Plans, Rules, and Regulations
Most federal fishing regulations come from fishery management plans. Under the
Magnuson-Stevens Act
, every fishery requiring conservation and management must have a fishery management plan. The plans describe problems in the fishery and identify management measures to protect, restore, and promote its long-term health.
In general, fishery management plans are developed and amended by one of eight
regional fishery management councils
. In addition, NOAA Fisheries is directly responsible for the management of
Atlantic highly migratory species
.
Search for rules and regulations in effect and find fishery rulemaking actions open for comment:
All fishery management plans and amendments
Commercial fishing notices and rules
Commercial rulemaking open for comment
All fishery bulletins
Commercial Fishing Management Actions Being Considered
Visit the regional fishery management council websites to learn about and provide feedback on federal fishery management actions and alternatives under consideration:
North Pacific
Pacific
Western Pacific
Gulf
Caribbean
South Atlantic
Mid-Atlantic
New England
You can also provide feedback on measures affecting
Atlantic highly migratory species
managed directly by NOAA Fisheries. You can attend scoping or
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel meetings
or submit comments to the
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Management Division
.
Commercial Fishing Regulations & Resources for U.S Federal Water
Find commercial fishing permits, landings, regulations, and resources by region, species, or gear-type for commercial fishing in U.S. federal water.
More Information
Fisheries Information System Program
Fishery Market News
Financial Services
Vessel and Permit Buyback Programs
Resources for the Seafood Industry
Vessel Monitoring System Information
Turtle Excluder Devices
Recreational Fishing Resources
Recreational Fishing
Image
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
Image
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
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
Image
Fish released under water with descender device. Credit: NOAA Fisheries.
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
Image
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
Tides
Ocean Conditions
Nautical Charts
Marine Debris
Dolphin Smart
*Executive Order 14172, “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness” (Jan. 20, 2025), directs that the Gulf of Mexico be renamed the Gulf of America. On August 7, 2025, NOAA Fisheries and the National Ocean Service amended regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations to reflect the renaming. 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 or previously published materials.
Resources for Recreational Fishing in U.S. Federal Water
Find permits, information about what you can catch, and other resources for recreational fishing in U.S. federal water.
More Information
National Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Program
National and Regional Coordinator Directory
Recreational Fishing Data
Recreational Fishing Data Queries
Regional Fisheries Management Councils
Subsistence Fishing
Alaska: Subsistence Fishing Regulations
Image
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
Image
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
Image
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.
Learn more about tribal fishing on the West Coast
Subsistence and Tribal Fishing in the U.S. Pacific Ocean
Find information on subsistence and tribal fishing in the U.S. Pacific Ocean.
More Information
Partnerships with Tribal Governments
Tribal Consultations and Co-Management
Pacific Islands Non-Commercial Fishing
West Coast Tribal Fishing
Regional Fisheries Management Councils
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
Image
Learn more about sustainable fisheries in Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Image
Learn more about sustainable fisheries in New England and the Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Image
Learn more about sustainable fisheries in the Pacific Islands
Southeast
Image
Learn more about sustainable fisheries in the Southeast
West Coast
Image
Learn more about sustainable fisheries on the West Coast
Regional Commercial and Recreational Fishing Resources
Requirements for fishing in federal water vary by region. Find permits, rules and regulations, and other fishing resources for your region.
More Information
Alaska Fisheries
Greater Atlantic Fisheries
Pacific Islands Fisheries
Southeast Fisheries
West Coast Fisheries
Regional Fisheries Management Councils
Skip to main content
Resources for Fishing
Resources for Fishing
Commercial, Recreational, and Subsistence Fishing Resources
Resources for commercial, recreational (sport), and subsistence fishing across the U.S. regions.
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.
Image
Regional Fisheries Resources
Each region has specific resources for permits, rules, regulations, reporting requirements, landings, and other fishery topics.
Alaska fisheries
New England/Mid-Atlantic fisheries
Pacific Islands fisheries
Southeast fisheries
West Coast fisheries
More Information
Sustainable Fisheries
Regional Fisheries Management Councils
Permits and Forms
Rules and Regulations
Funding and Financial Services
Fishery Bulletins
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species
Fishing and Offshore Renewable Energy
Permits & Forms
There are a variety of permitting requirements associated with fishing in federal waters. Find permit information for commercial fishermen, recreational fishermen, for-hire fishing, seafood dealers, and seafood traders.
Find fishing, dealer, and trade permits
Rules & Regulations
Find current rule-making actions—the latest notices and proposed rules open for comment, as well as final rules for various fishery management plans and related amendments.
Find fishery rules and regulations
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species
Atlantic highly migratory species are very popular with saltwater anglers. These fish live throughout the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico), and Caribbean waters and include tuna, sharks, swordfish, and billfish.
Learn more about Atlantic highly migratory species
Regional Fishery Management Councils
The MSA created eight regional fishery management councils responsible for the fisheries in their region that require conservation and management. The councils develop and amend fishery management plans, set annual catch limits, develop research priorities, implement rebuilding plans, and conduct public meetings.
Find your regional fishery management councils
Commercial Fishing
Commercial fishing regulations and requirements in federal waters can vary by area, marine species, and gear type. Find region-specific tools and resources:
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
(including the Gulf of America and Caribbean)
West Coast
If a fish species is managed through both state and federal regulations, federally permitted commercial fishermen must follow the more restrictive regulations regardless of where they are operating.
Commercial fishermen operating in state waters must follow rules and requirements set by the state or U.S. territory.
Federal Commercial Fishing Permits
Our
regional offices
issue most federal commercial fishing permits. Commercial fishing vessels may need multiple federal permits or a combination of federal and state permits to participate in various fisheries.
All commercial fishing permits
All dealer, importer, and exporter permits
Online Permit Systems
Many federal commercial fishing permits can be acquired or renewed online through our National Permit System or regionally managed online systems.
National Permit System
Fishermen can apply for P
acific highly migratory species, West Coast coastal pelagic species, Hawai'i domestic and foreign fishing, and international trade permits through our
National Permit System
.
Regional Permit Systems
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Permit Shop
*
eFISH
(Alsaka)
FishOnline
(New England/Mid-Atlantic)
Southeast Fisheries Permit System
(renewals only)
Pacific Coast Groundfish and Halibut Portal
*Some Atlantic HMS permits are issued by our Greater Atlantic or Southeast regional offices. Learn where to apply in the
permit descriptions
.
Commercial Fisheries Landings
Our
commercial landings database
allows visitors to build custom landings reports of non-confidential data. The data is organized by fishing type, year, region, state, and marine species.
The data presented in this database may not match the data in published versions of Fisheries of the United States or in other online landings queries. Visit the database for details.
About the data
Fishery Management Plans, Rules, and Regulations
Most federal fishing regulations come from fishery management plans. Under the
Magnuson-Stevens Act
, every fishery requiring conservation and management must have a fishery management plan. The plans describe problems in the fishery and identify management measures to protect, restore, and promote its long-term health.
In general, fishery management plans are developed and amended by one of eight
regional fishery management councils
. In addition, NOAA Fisheries is directly responsible for the management of
Atlantic highly migratory species
.
Search for rules and regulations in effect and find fishery rulemaking actions open for comment:
All fishery management plans and amendments
Commercial fishing notices and rules
Commercial rulemaking open for comment
All fishery bulletins
Commercial Fishing Management Actions Being Considered
Visit the regional fishery management council websites to learn about and provide feedback on federal fishery management actions and alternatives under consideration:
North Pacific
Pacific
Western Pacific
Gulf
Caribbean
South Atlantic
Mid-Atlantic
New England
You can also provide feedback on measures affecting
Atlantic highly migratory species
managed directly by NOAA Fisheries. You can attend scoping or
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel meetings
or submit comments to the
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Management Division
.
Commercial Fishing Regulations & Resources for U.S Federal Water
Find commercial fishing permits, landings, regulations, and resources by region, species, or gear-type for commercial fishing in U.S. federal water.
More Information
Fisheries Information System Program
Fishery Market News
Financial Services
Vessel and Permit Buyback Programs
Resources for the Seafood Industry
Vessel Monitoring System Information
Turtle Excluder Devices
Recreational Fishing Resources
Recreational Fishing
Image
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
Image
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
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
Image
Fish released under water with descender device. Credit: NOAA Fisheries.
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
Image
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
Tides
Ocean Conditions
Nautical Charts
Marine Debris
Dolphin Smart
*Executive Order 14172, “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness” (Jan. 20, 2025), directs that the Gulf of Mexico be renamed the Gulf of America. On August 7, 2025, NOAA Fisheries and the National Ocean Service amended regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations to reflect the renaming. 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 or previously published materials.
Resources for Recreational Fishing in U.S. Federal Water
Find permits, information about what you can catch, and other resources for recreational fishing in U.S. federal water.
More Information
National Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Program
National and Regional Coordinator Directory
Recreational Fishing Data
Recreational Fishing Data Queries
Regional Fisheries Management Councils
Subsistence Fishing
Alaska: Subsistence Fishing Regulations
Image
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
Image
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
Image
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.
Learn more about tribal fishing on the West Coast
Subsistence and Tribal Fishing in the U.S. Pacific Ocean
Find information on subsistence and tribal fishing in the U.S. Pacific Ocean.
More Information
Partnerships with Tribal Governments
Tribal Consultations and Co-Management
Pacific Islands Non-Commercial Fishing
West Coast Tribal Fishing
Regional Fisheries Management Councils
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
Image
Learn more about sustainable fisheries in Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Image
Learn more about sustainable fisheries in New England and the Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Image
Learn more about sustainable fisheries in the Pacific Islands
Southeast
Image
Learn more about sustainable fisheries in the Southeast
West Coast
Image
Learn more about sustainable fisheries on the West Coast
Regional Commercial and Recreational Fishing Resources
Requirements for fishing in federal water vary by region. Find permits, rules and regulations, and other fishing resources for your region.
More Information
Alaska Fisheries
Greater Atlantic Fisheries
Pacific Islands Fisheries
Southeast Fisheries
West Coast Fisheries
Regional Fisheries Management Councils