American Samoa Longline Requirements
American Samoa Longline Limited Entry Permit
The American Samoa longline limited entry permit is required for anyone:
- Using longline gear to fish for pelagic species within the EEZ around American Samoa.
- Landing or transshipping pelagic species in American Samoa that were caught within the EEZ around American Samoa.
The American Samoa longline permit may be used to fish with longline gear in the EEZ around Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Pacific Remote Island Areas, and land catch in those areas. It may not be used in the Hawaii longline fishery.
A maximum of 60 American Samoa permits is distributed among 4 vessel size classes. Class A vessels are 40 feet long or smaller, Class B (and B-1) vessels are longer than 40 feet, but no longer than 50 feet; Class C (and C-1) vessels are longer than 50 feet, but no longer than 70 feet, and Class D (and D-1) vessels are longer than 70 feet. Permits are issued by vessel size class and permit holders are restricted to using vessels within their size class or smaller.
Permits may be transferred, but the person receiving the transfer must meet specific requirements, depending on their vessel size class. The permits expire three years from issuance, and renewal requires meeting minimum landing requirements and having a current Protected Species Workshop certificate.
High Seas Fishing Compliance Act Permit
This permit is required for any U.S. fishing vessel fishing outside the EEZ in international waters. Regulations for this permit requirement can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 50, Part 300.
Please click here for information and an application form (the link takes you to the NMFS International Affairs website) 
Protected Species Workshop Certificate
Longliners must attend and be certified for completion of a workshop conducted by NMFS on interaction mitigation techniques for sea turtles, seabirds and other protected species.
VMS Installation Information
Contact the NOAA Office for Law Enforcement
Other Information
Vessel owners or operators fishing with the American Samoa longline permit are required to:
- Notify the Observer Program 72 hours before departure on a trip and declare trip type.
- Carry a NMFS observer if directed to do so by NMFS if vessel is 40 feet long or longer.
- Maintain and submit the Western Pacific daily longline logbook to NMFS within 72 hours of returning to port.
- Carry an operational VMS unit supplied and installed by the NOAA Office for Law Enforcement if vessel is 50 feet long or longer.
- Carry a valid Protected Species Workshop certificate on board the vessel.
- Carry a valid American Samoa longline permit on board the vessel.
- Handle and release protected species and seabirds as directed by PIRO.
Regulations governing this fishery can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 50, Part 665, Subpart C. Detailed information on permit conditions and other requirements can be found in the American Samoa longline limited entry program compliance guide available in PDF format here.
For more information, please contact the Pacific Islands Regional Office at (808) 944-2200 and ask for the Permits Program.
Permit Application
A permit application form for applying for transfers, upgrades, or vessel registration is available in fillable PDF format. A non-refundable application processing fee is required for permit applications, transfers, and upgrades. The amount of the fee is printed on the application.
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