| Recreational Highly Migratory Species Reporting Requirements (Download a PDF with HMS species reporting information) |
| A. 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.
B. 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.
C. 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.
E. Anglers arriving at dock after hours may contact the DMF 24 hour toll free number 1-800-682-2632 or
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. |
| BlueFin Permits | Reporting Requirements | Reporting Stations | 2008 Bluefin & Billfish Landings (PDF) |
| NC Division of Marine Fisheries - 3441 Arendell Street - Morehead City, NC 28557 - (252) 726-7021 or 1-800-682-2632 |