From the National Marine Fisheries Service:

This notice outlines the procedure for obtaining:

-- a 2007/2008 Atlantic Tunas Permit, which allows you to commercially fish for and/or retain Atlantic Bluefin, Yellowfin, Skipjack, Albacore, and Bigeye tunas;

-- an Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling Permit, which allows you to recreationally fish for and or retain any regulated Atlantic HMS (Atlantic tunas, sharks, swordfish, or billfish);

-- or an HMS Charter/Headboat Permit, which is required by vessels taking fee paying passengers fishing for or retaining HMS.

The permits issued for the 2007/2008 season will be valid from the date of issuance through December 31, 2008. The permit fee is $28.00, payable by credit card (Visa, Master Card, Discover, or American Express) or money order only.

You will need your Atlantic tunas or your Atlantic HMS permit number to renew your permit for this upcoming season. If you do not have your permit number from last year available, you may look it up at www.hmspermits.gov using your last name, phone number, and zip code, or a Customer Service representative may assist at the number below.

Please check your current permit information carefully prior to renewing your permit. Due to the duration of the permit, changes to your permit category may be made under the following circumstances: a) when you renew the permit for the upcoming season; b) during the time period of January 1 – May 31, 2008; or c) wiithin 10-calendar days from the permits’ date of issuance, to correct any errors in permit category.

Click here for a pdf file that includes an easy-to-read chart about tuna permits.

Apply for a Tuna Fishing Permit Online

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