WELCOME TO THE NORTHEAST REGION
PERMIT OFFICE

The Northeast Region (NER) Permit Office, which is located within the Analysis And Program Support Division, is responsible for issuing fishing vessel, dealer, and commercial operator permits and fishing authorizations for fisheries along the Atlantic Coast. NER fishing vessel, dealer, and commercial operator permits are required under the various Northeast Federal Fishery Regulations administered by the Region and enable the public to engage in legitimate activities that would otherwise be prohibited by law. For fishery specific information on management and recent actions as well as fisheries regulations, please click here. For identification images of the species under management by the Northeast Region, please click here. For a list of the species that require a NER permit, please click here. NER permit applications, instructions, and information for obtaining federal permits can be obtained in the following ways: Application materials can be downloaded or printed (see tabs below for specific permit programs) Applicants can call the Permit Office (978) 281-9370 or fax requests (978) 281-9161 to have application materials mailed to them For permit data and information, please click here.

Mailing Address   National Marine Fisheries Permit Office 55 Great Republic Drive Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: (978)281-9370 Fax: (978)281-9161       Fishery Regulations   Northeast Fisheries American Lobster Exempted Fishing Activity Atlantic Highly Migratory       Other Permit Links   Atlantic Tuna, Shark, Swordfish and Marlin Fisheries Permits Permit Applications And Request Forms

Initial Permit Application

Applicants must fill out an initial application if they are seeking a Northeast Federal permit for the first time or if the ownership has changed for a vessel that possesses a Northeast Federal permit.

"A new limited access permit system for Atlantic mackerel goes into effect on March 1, 2012.   For information on how to apply for a limited access mackerel permit, click here.   If you hope to qualify for a limited access permit prior to March 1, 2012, you must submit a complete application prior to January 31, 2012. The last day to submit an initial application is February 28, 2013."

Reasons That Delay Processing Of Vessel Permits

To allow permit processing to take place in a timely and accurate manner, please carefully read this before applying.

Renewal Permit Application

Applicants must fill out a preprinted renewal application if they currently possess a Northeast Federal permit. To request a preprinted renewal application contact the Permit Office at (978)281-9370 ext. 6438.

Last Updated: August 16, 2012