Coastal NH - Marine Resources

NEWS - Click here for Saltwater/Commercial Fishing/Coastal Updates

SALTWATER FISHING LICENSE REQUIREMENT

All persons age 16 and older recreationally fishing in coastal and estuarine waters of the state must purchase a N.H. Saltwater Recreational Fishing License. This includes anglers, spearfishers and persons using other gear types who wish to take, possess, or transport marine finfish for personal use and which are not sold. Click here for more info.

2012 NH Saltwater Fishing Digest
NEW! 2012 NH Saltwater Fishing Digest - hard copies now available at Fish and Game or your local license agent.

Managing Marine Resources

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.  We also work 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.  We also have marine mammals such as harbor seals and various whale species.

Click here to buy your NH Recreational Saltwater license online! ($11)

Recreational Saltwater Fishing

N.H. Saltwater Recreational Fishing License

Saltwater FISH SPECIES

Coastal boating & shore fishing access sites

Maineharbors.com Tide charts

NOAA Marine weather forecast

Maineharbors.com Coastal webcams

Access Point Angler Intercept Survey (APAIS) [formerly Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistic Survey (MRFSS)] - How does Fish and Game monitor the effort and success of our coastal anglers? Click here to find out.

Saltwater fish consumption guidelines for N.H.

Shoreline Striped Bass Hot Spots

Shellfishing
Places to visit:
Commercial Saltwater Fishing:
Marine Permit and License Applications:

Licenses available for online purchase (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
Additional Links:
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs on marine topics
Can I volunteer?
The Marine Fisheries Division has many volunteer opportunities, including helping staff work fish ladders or transfer fish during anadromous fish migration runs. Click to visit our volunteer page for more information.
How can I find out about invasive plant control options for seacoast landowners?
Invasive plants are a problem throughout the state, but coastal properties have special needs and control options. CLICK HERE to read the overview and click through the slide shows to learn more about how to fight harmful invasives in your own yard or neighborhood.
How can I obtain a N.H. Saltwater Fishing Digest?
Click here to go to our searchable web-based N.H. Saltwater Fishing Digest. You can pick up a printed publication at Fish and Game's headquarters in Concord (603-271-3422) or the Fish and Game Region 3 office in Durham, N.H. (603-868-1095).
Is there a website that has more NH saltwater fishing information?
The best resource -- other than this site -- is the N.H. Saltwater Fishing Digest (see previous question).  Another publication called the Saltwater Fishing Guide is a printed booklet containing descriptions of some saltwater species and coastal fishing/boating access sites; to request a copy by mail, call the Region 3 office at 603-868-1095.
Where can I talk to someone concerning questions about saltwater resources or rules?
Marine biologists and law enforcement personnel are based at Fish and Game's Region 3 Office (603-868-1095) Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Who do I call if I see a dead or injured seal or other marine mammal?
Contact the Stranding Hotline (NE Aquarium: 617-973-5247) or (if dead) NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service at 207-780-3241.
Are NH saltwater fish safe to eat?
Click here for the most recent ocean fish and shellfish consumption guidelines. Or, contact Fish and Game's Region 3 Office at 603-868-1095 or NH Department of Environmental Services at 603-559-1509.
Are NH shellfish safe to eat?
Generally, yes, with exceptions: if there is a Red Tide warning or other shellfish contamination issue, it will be shown on the Clam Flat Status page (click here). Shellfish from closed areas may not be harvested or eaten.
What does Fish and Game do about lobster traps and gear that wash up on the beach?
Each year, NH Fish and Game works with the NH Commercial Fishermen’s Association to organize a spring cleanup to pick up lobster gear debris caused by storms, etc., during the winter.
Do I need a license to fish in saltwater?
Yes. All persons age 16 and older recreationally fishing in coastal and estuarine waters of the state must purchase a N.H. Saltwater Recreational Fishing License. This includes anglers, spearfishers and persons using other gear types who wish to take, possess, or transport marine finfish for personal use and which are not sold. Click here for FAQs about the NH saltwater license. Federal permits may also be required - see www.nero.noaa.gov/nero/neropermits.
Can children fish without a license?
Children under the age of 16, resident or nonresident, are not required to purchase a NH fishing license.
Can I dive for lobster?
No. It is illegal to harvest lobster by diving in the State of New Hampshire.

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NH Fish and Game Dept.
11 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03301

603-271-3211
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