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Marine Resources in New Hampshire

nh saltwater digest

Who We Are

The Marine Fisheries Division of the N.H. Fish and Game Department was established by RSA 211:65.  The Division is responsible for the regulation and promotion of both recreational and commercial marine fishing in the salt waters of the state.  State waters include all waters within 3 miles of the coastline.  The area between 3 and 200 miles of shore is under the jurisdiction of the Federal government.  The Division conducts scientific investigations to monitor marine resources and habitat as well as the harvest of fishery resources within state waters.  The Division also works with other states through the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission as well as the New England Fisheries Management Council to manage marine species throughout their range.

Marine Species in New Hampshire

Waters within 3 miles of New Hampshire's coast provide essential habitat for many species.  Organisms that use inshore and estuarine waters for spawning and nursery habitat include smelt, American shad, blueback herring, alewives and winter flounder.  Coastal migratory fish such as striped bass, mackerel and bluefish frequent New Hampshire waters to feed on the abundant forage species.  Shellfish common to inshore waters include oysters, softshell clams and blue mussels.  Other important commercially and recreationally harvested species found in New Hampshire include Atlantic cod, haddock, pollock and lobsters.  Marine mammals such as harbor seals and various whale species can also be seen.

Saltwater Anglers and Spearfishers:
Register with the National Saltwater Angler Registry in 2010. Visit www.CountMyFish.noaa.gov or call 1-888-674-7411.

UPDATE: After January 1, 2011, a N.H. Recreational Saltwater License will be required, with a fee of $16 (includes $1 agent fee), for individual anglers age 16 and older participating in recreational saltwater fishing for finfish from coastal and estuarine waters of New Hampshire.

 

Click a topic to skip down the page:

Marine news:

Recreational Saltwater Fishing:

Shellfishing:

Frequently Asked Questions

Invasive Plant Control Options for Landowners: It's Your Choice - Invasive plants are a problem throughout the state, but coastal properties have special needs and control options. Read the overview and click through the slide shows to learn more about how to fight harmful invasives in your own yard or neighborhood.

Places to visit:

GBNERRGreat Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

The Reserve (www.greatbay.org)

Commercial Saltwater Fishing:

Marine Permit and License Applications:

Licenses available for online purchase by NH residents only (click on link and select Fishing/Hunting licenses):

Mail-in license applications: Click on the name of a permit or license to download a print-and-mail copy (PDF* format). Or, request a paper copy by mail: contact the Marine Division at (603) 868-1095 or the Licensing Desk at Fish and Game headquarters at (603) 271-3422 between 8:15 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays.

Research/Surveys and Reports:

Articles of interest (PDF downloads):

Marine Fishing Laws and Rules

Volunteer Information
The Marine Division has volunteer opportunities to help staff work fish ladders or transfer fish during anadromous fish migration runs. Help is needed primarily on weekends, holidays, and some weekdays in May and June.  If you are interested in helping, call the Region 3 office at (603) 868-1095, Monday through Friday, 8:00 to 4:00. Thanks.

Additional Links:


*To view this or any PDF document, you must have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software on your computer. To download the latest version of Acrobat Reader, click here to go to the Adobe web site.
 
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