High Seas Fishing Permit
The High Seas Fishing Compliance Act (HSFCA) became law March 3, 1996. This Act requires all commercial fishing vessels of United States registry to have a permit to fish on the high seas. The high seas are defined as those waters beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of any country. An HSFCA permit-holder must comply with international living marine resource agreements, including any international conservation and management measures implementing them. This permit is authorized at 50 CFR Part 300
You may apply for a High Seas Fishing Compliance Act permit at any NMFS regional office. A permit is valid for 5 years, with a $50 fee. For more HSFCA permit information, and/or application materials please call the Northeast Region Permit Office at (978) 281-9370.
High Seas Fishing Permit Application, Instructions, and Attachments
Authorized High Seas Fishing Activities
List of Vessel Types of the Standard Statistical Classification of Fishery Vessels
Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Regulations