From an email from the National Marine Fisheries Service on Dec. 14:

NOAA Fisheries Announces the Availability
Of 2017 Vessel Permits for Atlantic Tunas,
Swordfish General Commercial,
and Atlantic HMS

This notice outlines the procedure for obtaining a 2017 open access Atlantic Tunas Permit, which allows you to commercially fish for and/or retain Atlantic bluefin, yellowfin, skipjack, albacore, and bigeye tunas; Swordfish General Commercial permit which allows you to commercially fish for and/or retain Atlantic swordfish; 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 2017 season will be valid from the date of issuance through December 31, 2017.  The permit fee will vary between $20.00 and $40.00 depending on the permits being applied for, and are payable by credit card (Visa, Master Card, Discover, or American Express) or check/money order. 

Renew by:	How:	Receive permit by:
Internet	Go to https://hmspermits.noaa.gov	Print your permit off the website, email, fax, Priority Mail, or regular mail
Telephone	Dial (888) 872-8862 (toll-free)	Fax, email, Priority Mail, or regular mail*
Mail	Request renewal package by calling (888) 872-8862 or print the forms available at https://hmspermits.noaa.gov	Fax, email, Priority Mail, or regular mail *

* As an alternative, you may print your permit off the website once it has been processed (about 3 business days after your phone renewal or your complete application, including payment, has been received)

You will need your Atlantic tunas or your Atlantic HMS permit number to renew your permit.  If your permit number from last year is not available, you may look it up at https://hmspermits.noaa.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.

Please Note:  Changes to your permit category may be made under the following circumstances:
             a) When you renew the permit for the upcoming 2017 season;
             b) Within 45-calendar days from the permits' date of issuance,
to  correct any errors in permit categoryprovided the vessel has not landed bluefin.  After 45-calendar days permit categories are locked-in.

If you have questions regarding the permit process, our Customer Service representatives are available at (888) 872-8862, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

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