Regulations implementing the High Seas Fishing Compliance Act (HSFCA) were signed into law on March 3, 1996. This act requires that all commercial fishing vessels of United States registry have a permit to fish on the high seas. The high seas are defined as those waters beyond the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), or seaward of 200 miles.

The HSCFA permit holder must comply with international living marine resource agreements, including any measure implementing such agreements. Permit holders are required to record all fishing efforts on the high seas.

High Seas application/instructions/other documents

Please e-mail Chris Fanning in the Southwest Region for more information, or call 562-980-4198.