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.
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.
Marine newsroom -- Archive of marine news from N.H. Fish and Game.
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (www.asmfc.org) - for news and hearing notices related to recreational and commercial fisheries managed in state waters (striped bass, lobsters, bluefish, etc.).
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.
NH Coastal Harvest Reporting Program For questions about Coastal Harvest reporting requirements or reporting forms, contact the Marine Fisheries Division at (603) 868-1095 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
weekdays.
Atlantic Coast Cooperative Statistics Program The ACCSP is a cooperative state-federal program to design, implement, and conduct marine fisheries statistics data collection programs and to integrate these data into a single data management system that will meet the needs of fishery managers, scientists, and fishermen.
"Weak Links" are required for trap buoys and
gillnets to help protect whales from fishing gear
entanglements.
Click for info:
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.
Commercial Saltwater LicenseApplication - Required to take, possess, land, or transport marine species for the purpose to sell. This license is issued to an individual. Lobsters and crabs may not be taken with this license.
Lobster and Crab Landing LicenseApplication - License to transport in state waters and crabs taken outside the jurisdiction of the state
via ship, vessel or similar craft. This license is issued to an individual. Does not allow for sale of lobsters and crabs.
Retail Trade Application for Lobster and Crab - Required to buy, sell, process, ship and transport. Separate license required for each additional market, store, vehicle or other facility.
New Hampshire Wholesale Marine Species License Application - Required to engage in the wholesale trade of buying, selling, processing and transport of Marine Species. A separate license is required for each additional market, store, vehicle or other facility.
Winnicut River Dam Removal Project – The Winnicut River dam is a head-of-tide dam owned by NH Fish and Game with an associated Canadian step-weir fish ladder. Due to dam safety inspections and fish passage issues for anadromous fish, a feasibility study was conducted to determine the best course of action to improve fish passage and general ecological functions of a natural flowing river system. As part of the study, an archaeological survey was completed to identify the cultural and historical significance of the dam and surrounding area.
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.
*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.
