Atlantic Highly Migratory Species | NOAA Fisheries
Source: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/atlantic-highly-migratory-species
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:13
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species | NOAA Fisheries
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Atlantic Highly Migratory Species
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species
Atlantic highly migratory species are fish that travel long distances, often crossing international boundaries. Learn more about these species.
Highly migratory species (HMS) travel long distances and often cross domestic and international boundaries. NOAA Fisheries manages HMS fisheries—tunas, sharks, swordfish, and billfish—in U.S. Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico), and Caribbean waters. We:
Develop and implement fishery management plans in cooperation with the
HMS advisory panel
.
Monitor commercial and recreational catches to ensure compliance with domestic and international quotas and/or catch limits.
Issue permits for commercial and recreational HMS fishing and scientific research.
Implement domestic requirements of the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) and support international negotiations for ICCAT, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Managed Species
Billfish
Billfish species are considered to be among the largest and most powerful species distinguished by their sleek body and signature long spear-like bill.
Blue marlin
White marlin
Roundscale spearfish
Sailfish
Tuna
The tuna is a sleek and streamlined fish, adapted for speed. Both its dorsal and pelvic fins retract when swimming to increase speed.
Bigeye
Albacore
Yellowfin
Skipjack
Bluefin
Sharks
Sharks are a group of fish characterized by a cartilage skeleton, five to seven gill slits on the sides of the head, and pectoral fins that are not fused to the head.
Atlantic angel shark*
Atlantic sharpnose shark
Basking shark*
Bigeye sand tiger shark*
Bigeye sixgill shark*
Bigeye thresher shark*
Bignose shark*
Blacknose shark
Blacktip shark
Blue shark
Bonnethead shark
Bull shark
Caribbean reef shark*
Caribbean sharpnose shark*
Carolina hammerhead shark
Common thresher shark
Dusky shark*
Finetooth shark
Florida smoothhound
Galapagos shark*
Great hammerhead shark
Gulf smoothhound
Lemon shark
Longfin mako shark*
Narrowtooth shark*
Night shark*
Nurse shark
Oceanic whitetip shark*
Porbeagle shark
Sand tiger shark*
Sandbar shark
Scalloped hammerhead shark
Sevengill shark*
Shortfin mako shark
Silky shark
Sixgill shark*
Smalltail shark*
Smooth dogfish
Smooth hammerhead shark
Spinner shark
Tiger shark
Whale shark*
White shark*
*Prohibited species
Swordfish
One of the fastest predators in the ocean, their streamlined body allows them to swim at high speeds, up to 50 mph. Swordfish are distinguished by a long, flat sword-like bill.
Featured News
Feature Story
Western Atlantic Provides Refuge for Bluefin Tuna
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Feature Story
Celebrating our Top Taggers for Citizen Science Month
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Leadership Message
50 Years of Innovation and Leadership: Celebrating the Magnuson-Stevens Act
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
International
Feature Story
Recreational Anglers Help Boost Bluefin Tuna Research
Southeast
View More News
More Information
Atlantic HMS Fishery Management Plan and Amendments
Notices and Rules
Fishery Statuses, Bag Limits, and Minimum Sizes
Compliance Guides
Landings Updates
Stock Assessment and Fisheries Evaluation Reports
HMS Permits
Sign Up for Atlantic HMS News
Notices & Rules
Fisheries
Proposed Rule: Pelagic and Demersal Indicator Species Regulations for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Fisheries
Electronic Monitoring Vendor Certification for Pelagic Longline Monitoring Areas
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Fisheries
Amendment 17 to the 2006 Consolidated HMS Fishery Management Plan: Essential Fish Habitat
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Fisheries
Comment Period Extension for Revisions to Commercial Atlantic Blacknose Shark and Recreational Atlantic Shark Fisheries Proposed Rule
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Fisheries
Comments Requested on Proposed Removal of Swordfish and Shark Limited Access Permit Termination Dates
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
More Fisheries Notices & Rules
More Protected Resources Regs & Actions
Bulletins
Reminder: Federal Permit Requirements when Possessing Atlantic Mackerel as Bait
New England/Mid-Atlantic
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Reminder to Atlantic Tunas Longline Permit Holders
New England/Mid-Atlantic
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Bluefin Tuna Angling Category Southern Area Trophy Fishery Closure
Bluefin Tuna General Category Fishery Closure
New England/Mid-Atlantic
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Adjustments to 2022 Bluefin Tuna Purse Seine and Reserve Category Quotas and General Category January-March Subquota
New England/Mid-Atlantic
New England/Mid-Atlantic
More Bulletins
Upcoming Events
May 2026 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel Meeting
May 12, 2026 - May 14, 2026
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
More Events
Open Funding Opportunities
There are currently no open funding opportunities.
More Opportunities
FACT
4 categories of fish managed by NOAA Fisheries' Atlantic HMS Program
We manage four categories of fish known as highly migratory species in U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of America—tunas, swordfish, billfishes, and sharks. These fish migrate long distances, often crossing domestic and international boundaries.
FACT
5 species of billfish are found in Atlantic waters
Billfish, distinguished by a long, round, rough bill, are some of the largest and fastest predators in the sea. They include blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, longbill spearfish, and roundscale spearfish.
Show me another fact
Advisory Bodies
We consult our Advisory Panel when preparing and implementing fishery management plans and amendments. Also, with the help of scientists, fishermen, environmentalists, and others, we conduct domestic shark stock assessments through the Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) process.
Learn more about our HMS Advisory Panel
Learn more about our work with through the SEDAR process
Permits
There are a variety of permitting requirements associated with fishing for Atlantic HMS. Check out permit information for commercial fishermen, recreational fishermen, for-hire fishing, and dealers and import/export.
Learn more about HMS permits
Workshops
NOAA Fisheries requires certain HMS permit holders to attend educational workshops. HMS permit holders using pelagic longline, bottom longline, or gillnet gear must attend Safe Handling, Release, and Identification workshops. Federal shark dealer permit holders must attend Atlantic Shark Identification workshops.
Learn more about Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops
Learn more about Shark Identification Workshops
Bycatch Reduction
In HMS fisheries, bycatch of HMS species and protected species such as sea turtles and whales are of particular concern. NOAA Fisheries is working to ensure fisheries remain sustainable and protected species are given their best chance to recover and has a number of resources and authorities to track bycatch, encourage innovation, and reduce bycatch.
Learn more about our bycatch reduction efforts
Tournaments
Atlantic HMS tournaments are fishing events that award points or prizes for the catch and release or landing of sharks, tunas, billfish, or swordfish in the U.S. Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of America, or Caribbean Sea.
Learn more about tournaments
International
Atlantic HMS species live throughout the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of America and often migrate long distances. Because these species cross domestic and international boundaries, responsible management of Atlantic HMS requires international cooperation. We do this through a number of international agreements, including the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and the the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Learn more about NOAA Fisheries’ international engagement
Read Atlantic HMS National Reports to ICCAT
Understanding Atlantic Shark Fishing
U.S. shark fishermen work under some of the most robust environmental standards in the world.
Read More
Multimedia
NOAA Fisheries Video Gallery
Podcast
Oceanic Whitetip Sharks: A Plan for Recovery
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
International
Podcast
Atlantic Sharks: 30 Years of Successes and Lessons
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Releasing a sandbar shark on a shark survey.
Story Map
Story Map: Atlantic Shark Surveys
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Commercial Fishermen
NOAA Fisheries manages commercial fisheries for Atlantic tunas, swordfish, and sharks in federal waters of the U.S. Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico), and Caribbean Sea. This includes pelagic longline, bottom longline, purse seine, gillnet, handgear, and green-stick fisheries. Explore the information below to find information on commercial fishing for Atlantic HMS—rules and regulations, permit requirements, recent landings, and reporting requirements including vessel monitoring systems and electronic monitoring.
Rules and Regulations
Commercial Atlantic HMS rules and regulations depend on the fishery and permit type. We modify regulations to meet fishery management goals and requirements. These resources are designed to help commercial fishermen stay up-to-date on the latest commercial rules and regulations. Official regulations are provided in the
Code of Federal Regulations
.
Current commercial fishery statuses, minimum sizes, and bag limits
All commercial Atlantic HMS notices and rules
Commercial compliance guide
Fishery management plan and amendments
Permits
There are a variety of permitting requirements associated for commercial fishing for Atlantic HMS:
HMS limited access permits
Commercial Caribbean small boat permit
Commercial smoothhound shark permit
Atlantic tunas permits (general and harpoon)
Swordfish general commercial permit
HMS charter/headboat permit
Limited access Atlantic tunas purse seine permit
Learn more about HMS permits
Landings Updates
Atlantic swordfish
Atlantic bluefin tuna
Commercial Atlantic bigeye, yellowfin, albacore, and skipjack tuna
Atlantic shark commercial fishery landings and retention limit update
Explore all Atlantic HMS landings updates
Vessel Monitoring Systems
A vessel monitoring system is a satellite surveillance system primarily used to monitor the location of commercial fishing vessels in the U.S. exclusive economic zone and treaty areas. Certain owners or operators of commercial vessels that are permitted, or required to be permitted, to fish for Atlantic HMS are required to install a NOAA Fisheries-approved enhanced mobile transmitting unit (E-MTU).
Learn more about vessel monitoring
Electronic Monitoring
NOAA Fisheries has reached an important milestone—the first fleet-wide implementation of
electronic monitoring
in the United States. As of June 1, 2015, electronic monitoring was required on all vessels fishing with pelagic longline gear in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of America. Required by Amendment 7 to the Atlantic HMS Fishery Management Plan, electronic monitoring is intended to provide an effective and efficient way to monitor and verify Atlantic bluefin tuna catches in the pelagic longline fishery. It provides an efficient means of verifying catches while minimizing the burden on fishermen and maintaining a viable fishery.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Commercial Fishing Resources
Commercial fishing permits, rules, regulations, and landings for tunas, sharks, swordfish, and billfish in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of America, and Caribbean Sea.
More Information
Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop
HMS Observer Notification Form
Pelagic Fisheries Vessels and Coastal Fisheries Vessels Logbook Forms
Contact Us
Recreational Fishermen
NOAA Fisheries manages recreational fisheries for Atlantic highly migratory species, including tunas, swordfish, sharks, and billfishes, in federal waters of the U.S. Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico), and Caribbean Sea.
Rules and Regulations
Recreational Atlantic HMS rules and regulations depend on the fishery and permit type. We modify regulations to meet fishery management goals and requirements. These resources are designed to help anglers stay up-to-date on the latest recreational rules and regulations. Official regulations are provided in the
Code of Federal Regulations
.
Current recreational fishery statuses, minimum sizes, and bag limits
All recreational Atlantic HMS notices and rules
Recreational compliance guide
Fishery management plan and amendments
Permits
The HMS angling permit is required to fish recreationally for Atlantic HMS in federal waters, and most state waters for Atlantic tunas.
Commercial Atlantic tunas general category or a swordfish general commercial permits can be used for fishing recreationally only when participating in a registered
HMS tournament
.
An HMS charter/headboat permit is required for vessels taking
for-hire
passengers recreational fishing for Atlantic HMS.
Learn more about HMS permits
Landings Updates
Atlantic swordfish
Atlantic bluefin tuna
Recreational Atlantic billfish
Explore all Atlantic HMS landings updates
Tournaments
Atlantic HMS tournaments are events that award points or prizes for the catch and release or landing of sharks, tunas, billfish, or swordfish, in the U.S. Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of America, or Caribbean Sea. Tournament operators must register tournaments, keep records of fishermen and results, and will be notified if they are required to submit a catch report. All billfish tournaments must send a catch report.
Learn more about Atlantic HMS tournaments
Catch Reporting
Anglers must
report all landings
of swordfish, billfish, and bluefin tuna (including bluefin tuna dead discards) either online or by phone.
Submit a catch report
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Recreational Fishing Resources
Recreational fishing permits, rules, regulations, and landings for tunas, sharks, swordfish, and billfish in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of America, and Caribbean Sea.
More Information
Atlantic HMS Careful Catch and Release Brochure
Atlantic Shark Identification Placard for Recreational Fishermen
Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Policy—Atlantic HMS Implementation Plan
Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Regional Snapshots
Register/Report Your HMS Tournament
Contact Us
For-Hire Fishing
NOAA Fisheries manages the for-hire fishery (or chartering a vessel for recreational fishing purposes) for Atlantic tunas, swordfish, sharks, and billfishes in federal waters of the U.S. Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico), and Caribbean Sea.
Rules and Regulations
For-hire Atlantic HMS fishing rules and regulations depend on the fishery and vessel type. We modify regulations to meet fishery management goals and requirements. These resources are designed to help operators and passengers stay up-to-date on the latest recreational rules and regulations. Official regulations are provided in the
Code of Federal Regulations
.
Current recreational fishery statuses, minimum sizes, and bag limits
All recreational Atlantic HMS notices and rules
Recreational compliance guide
Fishery management plan and amendments
For regulations applicable to HMS charter/headboat permit holders on a non-for-hire trip, see the
commercial compliance guide
.
Permits
The HMS charter/headboat permit authorizes charter and headboat vessels to take for-hire passengers to recreationally fish for or retain:
Any Atlantic HMS with rod & reel
Tunas, sharks, and swordfish with handline
Tunas with green-stick or bandit gear
Free-swimming tunas (excluding bluefin) with a speargun
Learn more about HMS permits
Recreational Fishing
Anglers must
report all landings
of swordfish, billfish, and bluefin tuna (including bluefin tuna dead discards) either online or by phone.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species For-Hire Fishing Resources
For-hire fishing permits, rules, regulations, and landings for tunas, sharks, swordfish, and billfish in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea.
More Information
Atlantic HMS Careful Catch and Release Brochure
Atlantic Shark Identification Placard for Recreational Fishermen
Contact Us
Dealers, Importers, and Exporters
NOAA Fisheries manages the trade, including import, export, and re-export, of Atlantic highly migratory species, including tunas, swordfish, and sharks.
Rules & Regulations
Dealers importing and exporting Atlantic HMS species are required to comply with a variety of regulations:
Rules and regulations for Atlantic HMS and the import and export of Atlantic HMS.
For a plain language summary of how to comply with the regulations for Atlantic tunas, swordfish, and sharks dealers, refer to the
Dealer Compliance Guide
.
Recent regulatory updates as well as current fishing seasons and retention limits are posted under Announcements.
Permits
There are a variety of permitting requirements associated with dealing or trading Atlantic HMS. The permit search will provide information on how to obtain:
Atlantic tunas dealer permit.
Atlantic shark and swordfish dealer permit.
International fisheries trade permit.
Learn more about HMS permits
Dealer Reporting
The
Electronic Dealer Reporting (eDealer) system
allows you to electronically submit all data for HMS except Atlantic bluefin tuna. The eDealer system is integrated with existing electronic reporting programs, including SAFIS and Trip Tickets. Dealers can report Atlantic bluefin tuna through the Electronic Bluefin Tuna (eBFT) Dealer Reporting system. Dealers must also report catch of Atlantic bluefin tuna through the Individual Bluefin Quota (IBQ) online system.
HMS International Trade Program Reporting
The
Atlantic HMS International Trade Program
regulates trade, including import, export, and re-export, of Atlantic bluefin tuna, Pacific bluefin tuna, Southern bluefin tuna, swordfish, frozen bigeye tuna, and shark fins. Entities importing or exporting these species must obtain the international fisheries trade permit, and all trade documentation must be submitted via the automated commercial environment as part of the
International Trade Data System
.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Trade Resources
Dealer and trade permits, regulations, and reporting requirements for tunas, sharks, swordfish, and billfish in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea.
More Information
Fishery Management Plans and Amendments
Notices and Rules
Dealer Compliance Guide
Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops
Bi-Weekly Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Dealer Report Form (PDF, 2 pages)
Contact Us
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Science and Outreach Resources
Documents, data, research, and outreach and education resources on tunas, sharks, swordfish, and billfish in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea.
Documents
Document
Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel Meeting Transcripts and Materials
Each zip file contains materials from highly migratory species advisory panel meetings.
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Document
Compliance Guide for the Final Rule to Implement Amendment 15 – Spatial Fisheries Management
Compliance Guide
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Document
Cooperative Tagging Center Newsletter: An Update Since Covid (2020-2023)
The Cooperative Tagging Center, a cooperative citizen science program, provides volunteer anglers…
Southeast
Document
2023 Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation Report for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species
A review of the current status of Atlantic HMS fish stocks (tunas, swordfish, billfish, and sharks)…
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
More Documents
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Science and Outreach Resources
Documents, data, research, and outreach and education resources on tunas, sharks, swordfish, and billfish in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea.
Data & Maps
Map
Highly Migratory Species Amendment 15: Area Shapefiles and Maps
Amendment 15 modifies the boundaries and/or temporal extents of the Mid-Atlantic Shark, Charleston…
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
More Data
More Maps
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Science and Outreach Resources
Documents, data, research, and outreach and education resources on tunas, sharks, swordfish, and billfish in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea.
Research
2023 Top Fish Taggers for the Cooperative Tagging Center
NOAA Fisheries greatly appreciates the many tagging teams and anglers who tag and release fish to support our science. Here, we highlight the top taggers from 2023.
Southeast
Peer-Reviewed Research
Differential Larval Growth Strategies and Trophodynamics of Larval Atlantic Bluefin Tuna from Two Discrete Spawning Grounds
This study compares the growth and trophic dynamics of Atlantic bluefin tuna larvae from the Gulf…
Southeast
Cooperative Research in the Southeast
Cooperative research involves partnerships between the fishing industry and scientists. We work together to improve our understanding of ocean ecosystems and support the management of sustainable and productive fisheries.
Southeast
Top Fish Taggers for the Cooperative Tagging Center
NOAA Fisheries greatly appreciates the many tagging teams and anglers who tag and release fish to support our science.
Southeast
More Research
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Science and Outreach Resources
Documents, data, research, and outreach and education resources on tunas, sharks, swordfish, and billfish in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea.
Outreach & Education
Outreach Materials
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Commercial Compliance Guide
This guide provides a plain language summary of how to comply with commercial highly migratory…
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Outreach Materials
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Recreational Compliance Guide
This guide provides a plain language summary of how to comply with recreational highly migratory…
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Outreach Materials
Shark Identification Placard
If you don't know, let it go. Shark identification and federal regulations for the recreational…
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Outreach Materials
Report Sharks That Have Washed Ashore In Rhode Island And Connecticut
Sharks in our region are more likely to wash ashore during winter.
New England/Mid-Atlantic
More Outreach Materials
More Educational Materials
Skip to main content
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species
Atlantic highly migratory species are fish that travel long distances, often crossing international boundaries. Learn more about these species.
Highly migratory species (HMS) travel long distances and often cross domestic and international boundaries. NOAA Fisheries manages HMS fisheries—tunas, sharks, swordfish, and billfish—in U.S. Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico), and Caribbean waters. We:
Develop and implement fishery management plans in cooperation with the
HMS advisory panel
.
Monitor commercial and recreational catches to ensure compliance with domestic and international quotas and/or catch limits.
Issue permits for commercial and recreational HMS fishing and scientific research.
Implement domestic requirements of the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) and support international negotiations for ICCAT, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Managed Species
Billfish
Billfish species are considered to be among the largest and most powerful species distinguished by their sleek body and signature long spear-like bill.
Blue marlin
White marlin
Roundscale spearfish
Sailfish
Tuna
The tuna is a sleek and streamlined fish, adapted for speed. Both its dorsal and pelvic fins retract when swimming to increase speed.
Bigeye
Albacore
Yellowfin
Skipjack
Bluefin
Sharks
Sharks are a group of fish characterized by a cartilage skeleton, five to seven gill slits on the sides of the head, and pectoral fins that are not fused to the head.
Atlantic angel shark*
Atlantic sharpnose shark
Basking shark*
Bigeye sand tiger shark*
Bigeye sixgill shark*
Bigeye thresher shark*
Bignose shark*
Blacknose shark
Blacktip shark
Blue shark
Bonnethead shark
Bull shark
Caribbean reef shark*
Caribbean sharpnose shark*
Carolina hammerhead shark
Common thresher shark
Dusky shark*
Finetooth shark
Florida smoothhound
Galapagos shark*
Great hammerhead shark
Gulf smoothhound
Lemon shark
Longfin mako shark*
Narrowtooth shark*
Night shark*
Nurse shark
Oceanic whitetip shark*
Porbeagle shark
Sand tiger shark*
Sandbar shark
Scalloped hammerhead shark
Sevengill shark*
Shortfin mako shark
Silky shark
Sixgill shark*
Smalltail shark*
Smooth dogfish
Smooth hammerhead shark
Spinner shark
Tiger shark
Whale shark*
White shark*
*Prohibited species
Swordfish
One of the fastest predators in the ocean, their streamlined body allows them to swim at high speeds, up to 50 mph. Swordfish are distinguished by a long, flat sword-like bill.
Featured News
Feature Story
Western Atlantic Provides Refuge for Bluefin Tuna
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Feature Story
Celebrating our Top Taggers for Citizen Science Month
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Leadership Message
50 Years of Innovation and Leadership: Celebrating the Magnuson-Stevens Act
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
International
Feature Story
Recreational Anglers Help Boost Bluefin Tuna Research
Southeast
View More News
More Information
Atlantic HMS Fishery Management Plan and Amendments
Notices and Rules
Fishery Statuses, Bag Limits, and Minimum Sizes
Compliance Guides
Landings Updates
Stock Assessment and Fisheries Evaluation Reports
HMS Permits
Sign Up for Atlantic HMS News
Notices & Rules
Fisheries
Proposed Rule: Pelagic and Demersal Indicator Species Regulations for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Fisheries
Electronic Monitoring Vendor Certification for Pelagic Longline Monitoring Areas
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Fisheries
Amendment 17 to the 2006 Consolidated HMS Fishery Management Plan: Essential Fish Habitat
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Fisheries
Comment Period Extension for Revisions to Commercial Atlantic Blacknose Shark and Recreational Atlantic Shark Fisheries Proposed Rule
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Fisheries
Comments Requested on Proposed Removal of Swordfish and Shark Limited Access Permit Termination Dates
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
More Fisheries Notices & Rules
More Protected Resources Regs & Actions
Bulletins
Reminder: Federal Permit Requirements when Possessing Atlantic Mackerel as Bait
New England/Mid-Atlantic
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Reminder to Atlantic Tunas Longline Permit Holders
New England/Mid-Atlantic
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Bluefin Tuna Angling Category Southern Area Trophy Fishery Closure
Bluefin Tuna General Category Fishery Closure
New England/Mid-Atlantic
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Adjustments to 2022 Bluefin Tuna Purse Seine and Reserve Category Quotas and General Category January-March Subquota
New England/Mid-Atlantic
New England/Mid-Atlantic
More Bulletins
Upcoming Events
May 2026 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel Meeting
May 12, 2026 - May 14, 2026
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
More Events
Open Funding Opportunities
There are currently no open funding opportunities.
More Opportunities
FACT
4 categories of fish managed by NOAA Fisheries' Atlantic HMS Program
We manage four categories of fish known as highly migratory species in U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of America—tunas, swordfish, billfishes, and sharks. These fish migrate long distances, often crossing domestic and international boundaries.
FACT
5 species of billfish are found in Atlantic waters
Billfish, distinguished by a long, round, rough bill, are some of the largest and fastest predators in the sea. They include blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, longbill spearfish, and roundscale spearfish.
Show me another fact
Advisory Bodies
We consult our Advisory Panel when preparing and implementing fishery management plans and amendments. Also, with the help of scientists, fishermen, environmentalists, and others, we conduct domestic shark stock assessments through the Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) process.
Learn more about our HMS Advisory Panel
Learn more about our work with through the SEDAR process
Permits
There are a variety of permitting requirements associated with fishing for Atlantic HMS. Check out permit information for commercial fishermen, recreational fishermen, for-hire fishing, and dealers and import/export.
Learn more about HMS permits
Workshops
NOAA Fisheries requires certain HMS permit holders to attend educational workshops. HMS permit holders using pelagic longline, bottom longline, or gillnet gear must attend Safe Handling, Release, and Identification workshops. Federal shark dealer permit holders must attend Atlantic Shark Identification workshops.
Learn more about Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops
Learn more about Shark Identification Workshops
Bycatch Reduction
In HMS fisheries, bycatch of HMS species and protected species such as sea turtles and whales are of particular concern. NOAA Fisheries is working to ensure fisheries remain sustainable and protected species are given their best chance to recover and has a number of resources and authorities to track bycatch, encourage innovation, and reduce bycatch.
Learn more about our bycatch reduction efforts
Tournaments
Atlantic HMS tournaments are fishing events that award points or prizes for the catch and release or landing of sharks, tunas, billfish, or swordfish in the U.S. Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of America, or Caribbean Sea.
Learn more about tournaments
International
Atlantic HMS species live throughout the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of America and often migrate long distances. Because these species cross domestic and international boundaries, responsible management of Atlantic HMS requires international cooperation. We do this through a number of international agreements, including the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and the the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Learn more about NOAA Fisheries’ international engagement
Read Atlantic HMS National Reports to ICCAT
Understanding Atlantic Shark Fishing
U.S. shark fishermen work under some of the most robust environmental standards in the world.
Read More
Multimedia
NOAA Fisheries Video Gallery
Podcast
Oceanic Whitetip Sharks: A Plan for Recovery
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
International
Podcast
Atlantic Sharks: 30 Years of Successes and Lessons
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Releasing a sandbar shark on a shark survey.
Story Map
Story Map: Atlantic Shark Surveys
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Commercial Fishermen
NOAA Fisheries manages commercial fisheries for Atlantic tunas, swordfish, and sharks in federal waters of the U.S. Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico), and Caribbean Sea. This includes pelagic longline, bottom longline, purse seine, gillnet, handgear, and green-stick fisheries. Explore the information below to find information on commercial fishing for Atlantic HMS—rules and regulations, permit requirements, recent landings, and reporting requirements including vessel monitoring systems and electronic monitoring.
Rules and Regulations
Commercial Atlantic HMS rules and regulations depend on the fishery and permit type. We modify regulations to meet fishery management goals and requirements. These resources are designed to help commercial fishermen stay up-to-date on the latest commercial rules and regulations. Official regulations are provided in the
Code of Federal Regulations
.
Current commercial fishery statuses, minimum sizes, and bag limits
All commercial Atlantic HMS notices and rules
Commercial compliance guide
Fishery management plan and amendments
Permits
There are a variety of permitting requirements associated for commercial fishing for Atlantic HMS:
HMS limited access permits
Commercial Caribbean small boat permit
Commercial smoothhound shark permit
Atlantic tunas permits (general and harpoon)
Swordfish general commercial permit
HMS charter/headboat permit
Limited access Atlantic tunas purse seine permit
Learn more about HMS permits
Landings Updates
Atlantic swordfish
Atlantic bluefin tuna
Commercial Atlantic bigeye, yellowfin, albacore, and skipjack tuna
Atlantic shark commercial fishery landings and retention limit update
Explore all Atlantic HMS landings updates
Vessel Monitoring Systems
A vessel monitoring system is a satellite surveillance system primarily used to monitor the location of commercial fishing vessels in the U.S. exclusive economic zone and treaty areas. Certain owners or operators of commercial vessels that are permitted, or required to be permitted, to fish for Atlantic HMS are required to install a NOAA Fisheries-approved enhanced mobile transmitting unit (E-MTU).
Learn more about vessel monitoring
Electronic Monitoring
NOAA Fisheries has reached an important milestone—the first fleet-wide implementation of
electronic monitoring
in the United States. As of June 1, 2015, electronic monitoring was required on all vessels fishing with pelagic longline gear in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of America. Required by Amendment 7 to the Atlantic HMS Fishery Management Plan, electronic monitoring is intended to provide an effective and efficient way to monitor and verify Atlantic bluefin tuna catches in the pelagic longline fishery. It provides an efficient means of verifying catches while minimizing the burden on fishermen and maintaining a viable fishery.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Commercial Fishing Resources
Commercial fishing permits, rules, regulations, and landings for tunas, sharks, swordfish, and billfish in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of America, and Caribbean Sea.
More Information
Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop
HMS Observer Notification Form
Pelagic Fisheries Vessels and Coastal Fisheries Vessels Logbook Forms
Contact Us
Recreational Fishermen
NOAA Fisheries manages recreational fisheries for Atlantic highly migratory species, including tunas, swordfish, sharks, and billfishes, in federal waters of the U.S. Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico), and Caribbean Sea.
Rules and Regulations
Recreational Atlantic HMS rules and regulations depend on the fishery and permit type. We modify regulations to meet fishery management goals and requirements. These resources are designed to help anglers stay up-to-date on the latest recreational rules and regulations. Official regulations are provided in the
Code of Federal Regulations
.
Current recreational fishery statuses, minimum sizes, and bag limits
All recreational Atlantic HMS notices and rules
Recreational compliance guide
Fishery management plan and amendments
Permits
The HMS angling permit is required to fish recreationally for Atlantic HMS in federal waters, and most state waters for Atlantic tunas.
Commercial Atlantic tunas general category or a swordfish general commercial permits can be used for fishing recreationally only when participating in a registered
HMS tournament
.
An HMS charter/headboat permit is required for vessels taking
for-hire
passengers recreational fishing for Atlantic HMS.
Learn more about HMS permits
Landings Updates
Atlantic swordfish
Atlantic bluefin tuna
Recreational Atlantic billfish
Explore all Atlantic HMS landings updates
Tournaments
Atlantic HMS tournaments are events that award points or prizes for the catch and release or landing of sharks, tunas, billfish, or swordfish, in the U.S. Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of America, or Caribbean Sea. Tournament operators must register tournaments, keep records of fishermen and results, and will be notified if they are required to submit a catch report. All billfish tournaments must send a catch report.
Learn more about Atlantic HMS tournaments
Catch Reporting
Anglers must
report all landings
of swordfish, billfish, and bluefin tuna (including bluefin tuna dead discards) either online or by phone.
Submit a catch report
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Recreational Fishing Resources
Recreational fishing permits, rules, regulations, and landings for tunas, sharks, swordfish, and billfish in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of America, and Caribbean Sea.
More Information
Atlantic HMS Careful Catch and Release Brochure
Atlantic Shark Identification Placard for Recreational Fishermen
Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Policy—Atlantic HMS Implementation Plan
Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Regional Snapshots
Register/Report Your HMS Tournament
Contact Us
For-Hire Fishing
NOAA Fisheries manages the for-hire fishery (or chartering a vessel for recreational fishing purposes) for Atlantic tunas, swordfish, sharks, and billfishes in federal waters of the U.S. Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico), and Caribbean Sea.
Rules and Regulations
For-hire Atlantic HMS fishing rules and regulations depend on the fishery and vessel type. We modify regulations to meet fishery management goals and requirements. These resources are designed to help operators and passengers stay up-to-date on the latest recreational rules and regulations. Official regulations are provided in the
Code of Federal Regulations
.
Current recreational fishery statuses, minimum sizes, and bag limits
All recreational Atlantic HMS notices and rules
Recreational compliance guide
Fishery management plan and amendments
For regulations applicable to HMS charter/headboat permit holders on a non-for-hire trip, see the
commercial compliance guide
.
Permits
The HMS charter/headboat permit authorizes charter and headboat vessels to take for-hire passengers to recreationally fish for or retain:
Any Atlantic HMS with rod & reel
Tunas, sharks, and swordfish with handline
Tunas with green-stick or bandit gear
Free-swimming tunas (excluding bluefin) with a speargun
Learn more about HMS permits
Recreational Fishing
Anglers must
report all landings
of swordfish, billfish, and bluefin tuna (including bluefin tuna dead discards) either online or by phone.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species For-Hire Fishing Resources
For-hire fishing permits, rules, regulations, and landings for tunas, sharks, swordfish, and billfish in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea.
More Information
Atlantic HMS Careful Catch and Release Brochure
Atlantic Shark Identification Placard for Recreational Fishermen
Contact Us
Dealers, Importers, and Exporters
NOAA Fisheries manages the trade, including import, export, and re-export, of Atlantic highly migratory species, including tunas, swordfish, and sharks.
Rules & Regulations
Dealers importing and exporting Atlantic HMS species are required to comply with a variety of regulations:
Rules and regulations for Atlantic HMS and the import and export of Atlantic HMS.
For a plain language summary of how to comply with the regulations for Atlantic tunas, swordfish, and sharks dealers, refer to the
Dealer Compliance Guide
.
Recent regulatory updates as well as current fishing seasons and retention limits are posted under Announcements.
Permits
There are a variety of permitting requirements associated with dealing or trading Atlantic HMS. The permit search will provide information on how to obtain:
Atlantic tunas dealer permit.
Atlantic shark and swordfish dealer permit.
International fisheries trade permit.
Learn more about HMS permits
Dealer Reporting
The
Electronic Dealer Reporting (eDealer) system
allows you to electronically submit all data for HMS except Atlantic bluefin tuna. The eDealer system is integrated with existing electronic reporting programs, including SAFIS and Trip Tickets. Dealers can report Atlantic bluefin tuna through the Electronic Bluefin Tuna (eBFT) Dealer Reporting system. Dealers must also report catch of Atlantic bluefin tuna through the Individual Bluefin Quota (IBQ) online system.
HMS International Trade Program Reporting
The
Atlantic HMS International Trade Program
regulates trade, including import, export, and re-export, of Atlantic bluefin tuna, Pacific bluefin tuna, Southern bluefin tuna, swordfish, frozen bigeye tuna, and shark fins. Entities importing or exporting these species must obtain the international fisheries trade permit, and all trade documentation must be submitted via the automated commercial environment as part of the
International Trade Data System
.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Trade Resources
Dealer and trade permits, regulations, and reporting requirements for tunas, sharks, swordfish, and billfish in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea.
More Information
Fishery Management Plans and Amendments
Notices and Rules
Dealer Compliance Guide
Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops
Bi-Weekly Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Dealer Report Form (PDF, 2 pages)
Contact Us
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Science and Outreach Resources
Documents, data, research, and outreach and education resources on tunas, sharks, swordfish, and billfish in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea.
Documents
Document
Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel Meeting Transcripts and Materials
Each zip file contains materials from highly migratory species advisory panel meetings.
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Document
Compliance Guide for the Final Rule to Implement Amendment 15 – Spatial Fisheries Management
Compliance Guide
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Document
Cooperative Tagging Center Newsletter: An Update Since Covid (2020-2023)
The Cooperative Tagging Center, a cooperative citizen science program, provides volunteer anglers…
Southeast
Document
2023 Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation Report for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species
A review of the current status of Atlantic HMS fish stocks (tunas, swordfish, billfish, and sharks)…
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
More Documents
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Science and Outreach Resources
Documents, data, research, and outreach and education resources on tunas, sharks, swordfish, and billfish in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea.
Data & Maps
Map
Highly Migratory Species Amendment 15: Area Shapefiles and Maps
Amendment 15 modifies the boundaries and/or temporal extents of the Mid-Atlantic Shark, Charleston…
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
More Data
More Maps
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Science and Outreach Resources
Documents, data, research, and outreach and education resources on tunas, sharks, swordfish, and billfish in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea.
Research
2023 Top Fish Taggers for the Cooperative Tagging Center
NOAA Fisheries greatly appreciates the many tagging teams and anglers who tag and release fish to support our science. Here, we highlight the top taggers from 2023.
Southeast
Peer-Reviewed Research
Differential Larval Growth Strategies and Trophodynamics of Larval Atlantic Bluefin Tuna from Two Discrete Spawning Grounds
This study compares the growth and trophic dynamics of Atlantic bluefin tuna larvae from the Gulf…
Southeast
Cooperative Research in the Southeast
Cooperative research involves partnerships between the fishing industry and scientists. We work together to improve our understanding of ocean ecosystems and support the management of sustainable and productive fisheries.
Southeast
Top Fish Taggers for the Cooperative Tagging Center
NOAA Fisheries greatly appreciates the many tagging teams and anglers who tag and release fish to support our science.
Southeast
More Research
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Science and Outreach Resources
Documents, data, research, and outreach and education resources on tunas, sharks, swordfish, and billfish in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea.
Outreach & Education
Outreach Materials
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Commercial Compliance Guide
This guide provides a plain language summary of how to comply with commercial highly migratory…
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Outreach Materials
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Recreational Compliance Guide
This guide provides a plain language summary of how to comply with recreational highly migratory…
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Outreach Materials
Shark Identification Placard
If you don't know, let it go. Shark identification and federal regulations for the recreational…
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Outreach Materials
Report Sharks That Have Washed Ashore In Rhode Island And Connecticut
Sharks in our region are more likely to wash ashore during winter.
New England/Mid-Atlantic
More Outreach Materials
More Educational Materials