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North Carolina Department of Environment Quality

NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Marine Fisheries - HMS Reporting Requirements

Marine Fisheries

Recreational Highly Migratory Species Reporting Requirements
1) The following Highly Migratory Species (HMS), Atlantic bluefin tuna, blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, and swordfish, landed recreationally in North Carolina must have a Landing Tag affixed before removal from the vessel. Captains or operators from trailered vessels must have the Landing Tag affixed before the vessel is removed from the water. Captains or operators of permitted vessels in North Carolina must use this method instead of the NMFS call-in or website reporting process. HMS released alive should not be reported.

2) Landing Tags may be obtained at Highly Migratory Species Reporting Stations in exchange for a completed Catch Card. Catch Cards are available at all Reporting Stations. The following information must be included on each Catch Card submitted.

1) Date
2) Atlantic Tuna Permit Number
3) Vessel Name
4) Trip Type (headboat, private boat, or charterboat)
5) Curved Fork Length Measurement in Inches (see below)
6) Tag Number
7) Reporting Station Identification
3) The date, Atlantic Highly Migratory permit number, vessel name, vessel type (charterboat, private boat or headboat), and curved fork length measurement must be provided by the operator or Captain of the permitted vessel. The tag number and reporting station identification will be assigned by the reporting station agent.

4) Highly Migratory Species Reporting Stations have been established throughout coastal North Carolina. North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries staff (dockside samplers) will also participate in the tagging process as Mobile Reporting Stations. If you have any questions about the reporting process, please contact Doug Mumford (North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, 800-338-7804 or Doug.Mumford@ncdenr.gov).

5) Anglers arriving at dock after hours may contact the DMF 24 hour toll free number (800-682-2632) or (252-726-7021) to report their catch. The following information must be provided:

1) Date of landing,
2) Permit holder name,
3) Atlantic Highly Migratory permit number,
4) Phone number,
5) Vessel name,
6) Trip type, and
7) Curved fork length. The operator or Captain will be given a verification number that they can use to demonstrate reporting compliance. This method of reporting is restricted to after hours landings only.

< BACK to NMFS Highly Migratory Species Permits page
N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries • 3441 Arendell Street • Morehead City, NC 28557 • 252-726-7021 or 800-682-2632

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