Commercial fishing is defined as fishing for any fishery resource for the purpose of subsequent sale or benefit, whether it is done on a full-time or part-time basis.  Current fisheries legislation stipulates that only Bahamian owned crafts can legally fish commercially within Bahamian waters. Any vessel that is larger than 20 feet that is used for commercial fishing must be licensed.

• Bahamian business. Note all shareholders must be Bahamian citizens and resident within the country.
• Bahamian citizen and resident within the country.
• Only applicable to fishing vessels larger than 20 feet in length.

1. Complete and submit the relevant application form.
2. Submit the required supporting documents to the Department of Marine Resources.
3. The applicant will then be contacted to visit the Department of Marine Resources to pay the required licence fee and to collect the licence.
4. The licence is then issued after payment of the fee.

For applicants in Abaco, payment should be made at the Public Treasury and the receipt submitted verifying payment to the local fisheries officer.

This service can be accessed at the following locations:

New Providence

Department of Marine Resources
East Bay Street
P.O. Box N-3028
Nassau, New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 393-1777
Fax. (242) 393-0238
E-mail: fisheries@bahamas.gov.bs  
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Family Island Office Locations and Contact Information

Application for Permit to Use A Bahamian Fishing Vessel to Fish for Commercial Purposes

1. A valid Business licence.
2. Port registration documents.
3. Proof of ownership of vessel .
4. A valid Bahamian passport.

BS $10.00 plus 12% VAT

Department of Marine Resources
East Bay Street
P.O. Box N-3028
Nassau, New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 393-1777
Fax. (242) 393-0238
E-mail: fisheries@bahamas.gov.bs  
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Family Island Office Locations and Contact Information