Do You Need a License to Sell Fish You Caught in Hawaii?

If you’re an avid angler in Hawaii, you might be wondering if you need a special permit to sell the fish you catch. The short answer is yes, even if you’re not a full-time commercial fisherman. In 2024, the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announced that anyone selling fish they caught in Hawaiian waters must have a commercial marine license (CML).

Commercial Marine License (CML) Requirements

According to the DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources, a CML is required for individuals or vessels engaged in taking, selling, or offering for sale any marine life for commercial purposes, including charter fishing services. The license fee is $100 for residents and $250 for non-residents, with a $10 fee for duplicates.

To obtain a CML, you’ll need to complete an application form, submit any required supporting documents, and pay the applicable fees. The processing time can vary, so it’s best to apply well in advance of when you plan to start selling your catch.

Fishing Report Requirements

In addition to having a CML, anyone selling fish they catch in Hawaii must also submit monthly fishing reports to the DLNR. These reports must be submitted no later than the 10th day of the following month, even if no fishing occurred during that period.

If you land, lose to predator, or release any of the “Deep 7” species (onaga, ehu, ōpakapaka, gindai, hāpu’u, kalekale, and lehi), you’ll need to submit a trip report within 5 days of the trip end date.

Failure to submit these reports can result in the revocation of your CML, as well as criminal and administrative penalties.

Exemptions and Restrictions

While most of Hawaii’s shoreline is open to fishing, there are some restricted areas where fishing is not allowed, such as wildlife refuges, freshwater streams, natural area reserves, military bases, and certain bays and lagoons.

Hawaii residents and children under the age of 15 are exempt from the saltwater fishing license requirement, while active duty military personnel and their dependents are also exempt.

For freshwater fishing, anglers under the age of 9 don’t need a license, but they must be accompanied by an adult with a valid Freshwater Game Fishing License.

Importance of Fishing Reports

The commercial fishing reports submitted by CML holders are a valuable source of data for the DLNR and federal fisheries management agencies. These reports help monitor fisheries and assess the health of Hawaii’s marine resources, both in nearshore and offshore areas.

By submitting accurate and timely fishing reports, anglers who sell their catch are partnering with fisheries managers to ensure the long-term sustainability of Hawaii’s fisheries.

While the individual data reported on the commercial fishing reports is confidential, the DLNR does publish annual summaries of the landings data, which are available on their website.

In conclusion, if you plan to sell any of the fish you catch in Hawaii, even if it’s just a few times a year, you’ll need to obtain a CML and submit monthly fishing reports. This helps ensure the responsible management of Hawaii’s marine resources for generations to come.