The Marine Fisheries Division 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.
Waters within 3 miles of New Hampshire coast provide essential habitat for many species. Organisms that utilize 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 present. 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.
NOAA Honors Leader of Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve - Peter Wellenberger, a Newmarket, N.H., resident and Fish and Game staff member, has been honored by NOAA for three decades of commitment to stewardship, research and outreach concerning our nation's estuaries.
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 8am and 4pm.
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.
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To request the following license applications, please contact the Marine Division at (603) 868-1095 or Licensing/Front Desk at (603) 271-3422 between 8am and 4pm weekdays:
Commercial Saltwater License
Retail Trade for Lobster and Crab License
Wholesale Marine Species License
Lobster and Crab License and Lobster Helper's License
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 weekend, 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.
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