Capt. Rob on Highly Migratory Species "HMS" Permits

The Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Program was established by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through its division, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). It is designed to manage fish stocks that traverse wide ranges of the ocean, beyond conventional fishery management zones. These species include sharks, swordfish, tunas, and billfish, which are known for their extensive migratory patterns. The program's creation was driven by the need to ensure sustainable fishing practices and to comply with both national and international conservation standards, particularly under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and various international agreements to which the U.S. is a signatory.