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Nearshore Fishery Permit Transfer Provisions

Pursuant to California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 14, Section 150(g), a Nearshore Fishery Permit (NFP) may be transferred subject to the conditions listed below.

General Provisions

  • A valid NFP may be transferred by the permittee or permittee's estate to a licensed California commercial fisherman, if the permit holder has no pending Fish and Wildlife violations, suspension or revocation that would affect the status of the permit.
  • The valid transferable NFP shall be transferred for use in the same regional management area listed on the permit.
  • Upon the death of the a person with a valid nontransferable NFP, the permit shall become null and void and the estate shall immediately surrender the permit to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's (Department) License and Revenue Branch. (CCR, Title 14, Section 150(g)(7).

Required Documentation

  • Original notarized Nearshore Fishery Permit and Nearshore Fishery Trap Endorsement Transfer Application.
  • The original valid transferable NFP.
  • A copy of the transferee's valid California Commercial Fishing License.
  • Nonrefundable NFP transfer fee of $1500.

Death of the Permittee

  • Upon the death of a person with a valid transferable NFP, that person's estate shall immediately, temporarily relinquish the NFP to the Department's License and Revenue Branch. The estate may renew the permit if needed to keep it valid for the purpose of transfer.
  • The estate of the decedent may transfer the transferrable NFP not later than two years from the date of death of the permit holder as listed on the death certificate, pursuant CCR, Title 14, Section 150(g)(3).

Additional Required Documentation needed upon the Death of the Permittee

  • Original notarized Nearshore Fishery Permit and Nearshore Fishery Trap Endorsement Transfer Application.
  • A court document naming the executor/executrix of the estate of the deceased permit holder or other evidence that the person signing the transfer application is an authorized representative of the deceased.
  • Copy of the death certificate of the permit holder.

Pursuant to Fish and Game Code Section 8102, allows for the transfer of a limited entry commercial fishing permit, provided a working partner is a spouse, child, or sibling of the permit holder. A working partner is also defined as a person who can prove an investment or equity in the vessel or gear used in the fishery who would otherwise have been eligible for a permit but did not obtain one because he or she was working with or was a partner with the permit holder. The working partner shall provide substantial evidence of an actual physical working participation aboard the vessel supported by copies of trip settlement sheets and of logbooks.

Mail documents and transfer fee to:

California Department of Fish and Wildlife
License and Revenue Branch
P.O. Box 944209
Sacramento, California 94244-2090

Evaluation of the transfer request will take approximately 20 business days after receipt by the Department provided additional documentation is not required. If approved, a letter authorizing the transfer will be sent to the transferee.

Appeal Provisions and Deadlines

If disapproved, the Department will notify the permit holder in writing, explaining the reason for denial. Pursuant to CCR, Title 14, Section 150(m)(3), any applicant who is denied transfer of a NFP may appeal to the Fish and Game Commission within 60 days of the date of Department's denial.

If you have any questions about the transfer requirements or application process, please contact (916) 928-5822 or LRBCOMM@wildlife.ca.gov.