Apply for a Pacific Islands Fishing Permit

Note: This guide does not apply if you are renewing a Hawaii longline permit, or applying for or renewing a High Seas Fishing Compliance Act permit. Complete those online via NOAA’s National Permit System.

For This Process, You Will Need

• Internet access
• Printer, scanner, or camera
• Email address
• Credit/debit card or bank account to pay the processing fee, if applicable.

The Application Process

• Download the appropriate application from the NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Region Fishing Permits web page.
• Fill out the application, including your typed name and date where it says Applicant.
• Sign the application on the “Applicant” line. You may sign it electronically, or print it and sign it in ink.
• If the application is for a transfer of a Hawaii or American Samoa longline permit, you must obtain the name and dated signature of the person transferring the permit to you.
• Gather the required documents for your application, including the current USCG certificate of documentation or state/territory vessel registration certificate. Other documents may be necessary. Refer to the application instructions.
• Scan or take clear photographs of the signed application and all associated documents. You may upload PDF, JPG, or PNG files to Kiteworks.
• The HSFCA permit or WCPFC area endorsement application require that you send us a recent photo of the vessel and the proper markings. Refer to the application instructions.
• Contact the Permits Office with your email address and the type of permit you are seeking. 
• We will email you an invitation from Kiteworks, which provides secure transmission of documents between you and the Permits Office.
• From the email invitation, connect to Kiteworks, compose a message, and attach your documents. Send the message to piro-permits@noaa.gov.
• The Permits Office will contact you if there are any deficiencies in your documents. You must fix any deficiencies within 30 days, or we may consider the application abandoned.

Payment

• Payments are processed through pay.gov, a secure online service operated by the U.S. Treasury.
• If your permit application requires a fee, you will receive an email from pay.gov with a link to the pay.gov website and an Access Code.
• Once logged in to the pay.gov website, follow the on-screen instructions.

Questions/Contact Us

• For detailed instructions, see the Guide to Applying Online for Pacific Islands Fishing Permits.
• For any questions, please contact the Permits Office at (808) 725-5190 or piro-permits@noaa.gov.