The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service announces new permit regulations for vessels participating in the Highly Migratory Species fisheires. HMS fisheries include Atlantic tunas, swordfish, billfish, and sharks. The new regulations are effective July 1 of this year. This new permit replaces the Atlantic tunas Charter/Headboat category permit and will be required for those vessels who take paying customers to fish for these species.

This action enables NOAA fisheries to more accurately monitor commercial and recreation landings and catch-and-release statistics. The monitoring will enhance management and research of these traditionally significant HMS fisheries.

Vessel owners and operators can purchase the mandatory Charter/Headboat permit online at http://www.nmfspermits.com or they can obtain a permit application by calling (888) 872-8862.

The 2001 Atlantic HMS Charter/Headboat permit costs $27.00 and will be valid from the date of issuance through May 31, 2002. This permit must be renewed on an annual basis.

NOAA fisheries' Highly Migratory Species Division in Gloucester, Mass., can answer questions on Atlantic tuna regulations (978) 281-9260.

NOAA fisheries is an agency of the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The agency is dedicated to protecting and preserving our nation's living marine resources through scientific research, management, enforcement, and the conservation of marine mammals and other protected marine species and their habitat.

For more information about NOAA go to: http://www.noaa.gov