We are offering compliance resources for commercial fishermen.

What are HMS Species?

"Highly Migratory Species (HMS) means species managed by the FMP, specifically:

• Billfish/Swordfish: striped marlin (Tetrapturus audax) swordfish (Xiphias gladius) 
• Sharks: common thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus) shortfin mako or bonito shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) blue shark (Prionace glauca) 
• Tunas: north Pacific albacore (Thunnus alalunga) yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) 
• Other: dorado or dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus)"

For additional definitions see this link

The below information and links should explain the need for the Commercial and/or Charter HMS Permits and answer any questions that you may have.

Each vessel that commercially and or charter fishes for or lands HMS species is required to have the appropriate permit.

A vessel that is used for both purposes would be required to have both permits.

Please note that a logbook is also required, if the vessel has either one of the permits.

Resource guides: 

HMS Permit Requirements

HMS Federal Regulations

HMS Logbook Requirements