Can You Catch and Sell Fish in 2024? Understanding Recreational and Commercial Fishing Regulations

In 2024, the rules and regulations surrounding catching and selling fish vary significantly across different states and countries. While some fishermen are legally allowed to sell their catch, most anglers either keep their fish for personal consumption or practice catch-and-release. If you’re considering selling your catch or opening a small fish market, it’s crucial to thoroughly research and understand the specific regulations in your area.

Recreational Fishing Regulations

Recreational fishing is a popular pastime enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. In most cases, anglers are permitted to keep a certain number of fish per day, depending on the species and size. However, the specific regulations can vary from state to state and even from one body of water to another.

For example, in Montana, anglers are generally allowed to keep up to 5 whitefish per day, but a permit is required to sell them. In New York, the regulations for the Great Lakes and tributaries specify the open seasons, minimum lengths, and daily limits for various species, such as trout, salmon, and walleye.

In the UK, new legislation in 2024 will make it a criminal offense for any recreational fishing vessel to target bluefin tuna without a permit. The regulations also stipulate that any caught bluefin tuna must not be harmed, removed from the sea, brought aboard a vessel, transferred to another vessel, or landed.

Commercial Fishing Regulations

Commercial fishing is a highly regulated industry that requires specific licenses and permits. In the United States, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is responsible for managing and regulating commercial fisheries in federal waters, while individual states regulate commercial fishing in state waters.

In Hawaii, the Board of Land and Natural Resources recently approved amendments to the administrative rules pertaining to “License and Permit Provisions and Fees for Fishing, Fish, and Fish Products”. These amendments aim to streamline the licensing process and ensure the sustainability of Hawaii’s marine resources.

At the European Union level, the Council adopted measures in 2024 on the fixing and allocation of fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks applicable in the Mediterranean and Black Seas. These measures are based on available scientific advice and aim to ensure the sustainable management of marine resources.

It’s important to note that the sale of certain fish species may be prohibited or restricted in some areas. For example, in New York, the sale of catfish taken from Lake Ontario and its tributaries upstream to the first barrier impassable by fish and in the St. Lawrence River is prohibited.

Selling Fish Caught for Personal Use

In general, it is not legal to sell fish caught for personal use. Most states have regulations that prohibit the sale of fish caught under a recreational fishing license. However, there are some exceptions.

In New York, fish that are “salable” at any time include those species for which there is no closed season and no minimum length. These fish can be sold without any additional permits or licenses.

It’s also important to note that the transportation of fish caught for personal use may be subject to specific regulations. In New York, for example, no more than two days’ legal take of non-salable fish may be transported unless a permit is obtained from a DEC Regional Office, or the fish are frozen, processed, and packaged for storage.

Conclusion

In 2024, the rules and regulations surrounding catching and selling fish are complex and vary significantly across different states and countries. While some fishermen are legally allowed to sell their catch, most anglers are limited to keeping fish for personal consumption or practicing catch-and-release.

If you’re considering selling your catch or opening a small fish market, it’s crucial to thoroughly research and understand the specific regulations in your area. Consult with local authorities, such as state wildlife agencies or the National Marine Fisheries Service, to ensure that you are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.