Atlantic Highly Migratory Species | NOAA Fisheries

Atlantic Highly Migratory Species | NOAA Fisheries 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. 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 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 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 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) 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