There are regulations relating to the harvest of many marine species from New Hampshire’s coastal and estuarine waters, generally by means other than hook and line. Refer to the tables at right for general species regulations and gear restrictions for fish and invertebrates commonly harvested by coastal harvest permittees.
Harvest Permit: Required to take finfish by seine, net, weir, pot or trap, horseshoe crab by any method, or American eel by any method but angling, from coastal and estuarine waters of N.H. Available at Fish and Game Region 3 Office in Durham. Netting of river herring by residents only and non-residents holding a non-resident Commercial Saltwater License.
NOTE: If you are harvesting finfish for personal use only, you need to purchase a recreational saltwater license. If you plan to sell your catch, you need a commercial saltwater license.
Reporting: Any person holding a permit to net or harvest from coastal waters is required to submit a monthly report of fishing activities. Forms are available from Fish and Game’s Region 3 Office, Durham. Commercial fishermen are required to report catch information to the Department if fishing in state waters. Fishermen are also required to participate in the National Marine Fisheries Service Vessel Trip Report program, if fishing federal waters for specific species.
