NOAA Fisheries is adjusting the Atlantic bluefin tuna daily retention limit for the General category fishery. The adjusted limits go into effect on June 1, 2022, and extend through August 31, 2022, unless modified by a later action.
What is changing?
The daily retention limit will INCREASE from the default of one large medium or giant bluefin tuna (measuring 73” or greater) to three large medium or giant bluefin tuna per vessel per day/trip.
Who is affected?
The changes apply to General category permitted vessels and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels with a commercial sale endorsement when fishing commercially for bluefin tuna. The daily retention limit is effective for all areas EXCEPT for the Gulf of Mexico, where NOAA Fisheries does not allow targeted fishing for bluefin tuna.
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