Highly Migratory Species

Catch Card Program

A plastic tag should be placed on the tail of any highly migratory species (HMS) landed. Tags will be available at HMS report stations located throughout Puerto Rico. These will be provided in exchange for a completed catch card also available at the reporting stations. These cards will be completed by the angler or HMS permit holder and returned to the reporting station. The number on the tag should match the one on the catch card.

The following information will be provided by the angler on the catch card:

1. Date
2. HMS permit number
3. Name of vessel
4. Type of fishing trip (private or charter boat rental)
5. Species of billfish
6. Lower Jaw Fork Length (LJFL) - measurement from the tip of the snout to the lower jaw, up to the central point of the fish’s tail fin (in inches).
7. Weight (in pounds)
8. Plastic tag number
9. Reporting station identification

The HMS reporting stations will be established throughout de island of Puerto Rico, and will be available during work hours.

Fishermen who arrive at the dock after working hours must call the toll free number 888-872-8862 to report their capture. The following information must be provided: (1) date of capture, (2) name of the HMS permit owner, (3) HMS permit number, (4) telephone number, (5) name of the vessel, (6) type of fishing trip (private or charter boat rental), (7) species landed, and (8) lower jaw fork length (LJFL). The operator or captain will obtain a verification number that may be used as evidence of compliance. This method of reporting is restricted to non-working hours.