Please be aware that new in the last several years is a requirement for owners of private vessels used to fish recreationally for Atlantic HMS to obtain an HMS Angling category permit from NMFS. The angling permit can be purchased online here or by calling 888-872-8862.
In addition, any tournament operator responsible for maintaining records of participants and results used for awarding tournament points or prizes for Atlantic HMS must register the tournament with NMFS at least four weeks prior to commencement of the tournament. Call the HMS Management Division at 727-824-5399 or visit the permits website to receive a registration form.
Brochures for Atlantic shark recreational and commercial fishing regulations are available here.
FOR REGULATIONS:
Tuna:
HMS Gloucester 978-281-9260
Shark, Swordfish:
HMS Headquarters 301-713-2347
Recreational Swordfish & Billfish:
HMS St. Petersburg 727-824-5399
FOR COPIES OF DOCUMENTS:
Highly Migratory Species Management Division
301-713-2347
HMS Shark Documents