Highly Migratory Species

Federal Highly Migratory Species Permits

To recreationally fish in federal waters for any authorized Atlantic tunas, billfishes, swordfish, and sharks (except spiny dogfish), and within the state waters for tunas, vessel owners must have a valid federal fishing permit for their vessel. A shark endorsement is required for recreational shark fishing in federal waters. To obtain a permit or shark endorsement, call 888-872-8862 or visit the NOAA HMS Permits website.

Passengers fishing on a vessel who do not possess a highly migratory species permit or have a state saltwater fishing license must register with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Saltwater Angler registry. To register, visit the NOAA National Saltwater Angler Registry.

HMS Catch Cards

All landings of bluefin tuna, billfishes, swordfish, and sharks must be reported using the Maryland Catch Card Census. Anglers must complete a catch card and exchange it for a tag to be placed around the tail before moving it from the vessel. Sharks caught from shore must be tagged before moving from the point of landing. Boats cannot be pulled from the water until the tag is in place. You can obtain catch cards at the locations listed below or print your own from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Tagging Program page.

Landing Requirements

All landings of bluefin tuna, billfishes, swordfish, and sharks must be reported using the Maryland Catch Card Census. Anglers must complete a catch card and exchange it for a tag to be placed around the tail before moving it from the vessel. Sharks caught from shore must be tagged before moving from the point of landing. Boats cannot be pulled from the water until the tag is in place.

Catch cards and tags are available at the following reporting stations:

• Alltackle, Ocean City (shark tags only)
• Assateague Island National Seashore Visitor Contact Station/Campground Office Hunter’s Station, Berlin (shark tags only)
• Atlantic Tackle, Ocean City
• Bahia Marina, Ocean City
• Buck’s, Berlin (shark tags only)
• Department of Natural Resources/Natural Resources Police, Col. Jack Taylor Boathouse, Ocean City (after hours kiosk)
• Fisherman’s Marina, Ocean City
• Ocean City Fishing Center, Ocean City
• Ocean Pines Marina, Ocean Pines
• Pines Point Provisions and Seafood, Ocean Pines
• Sunset Marina, Ocean City
• Talbot Street Pier and Marina, Ocean City
• Catch cards can also be downloaded from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Tagging Program page.

It is Illegal

• To sell, barter, or trade sharks or shark parts.
• To engage in shark finning.
• To fillet sharks at sea. All sharks caught by an angler must have heads, tails, and fins attached naturally to the carcass through landing.
• For additional information and restrictions, visit the NOAA Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Compliance Guides.

Gear Restrictions

Anglers may use only handlines or rod and reel and must use corrodible, non-stainless circle hooks except when fishing with artificial flies/lures. You must have a device with you that is capable of quickly cutting either the leader or the hook.