Closure of Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Angling Category in Southern New England Area
The Southern New England Area Trophy Bluefin Tuna Angling Category will be closed from May 2, 2024, 11:30 pm – December 31, 2024. The 2.3-mt subquota has been reached and exceeded based on available landings information from NOAA.
All Highly Migratory Species Angling category permitted vessels, as well as Highly Migratory Species charter and headboat permitted vessels fishing recreationally in the southern New England area would be affected by this closure. This closure would also prevent any of the permitted vessels mentioned above, including recreational fisherman aboard these vessels, from retaining, possessing, or landing medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna (i.e., measuring 73 inches curved fork length or greater) until the closure is complete at the end of December. This closure does not affect commercial fisheries. Reporting wise, all of the said permitted vessel owners are required to report the retention or dead discard of all bluefin tuna within 24 hours, or the end of each trip.
With the exception of the Gulf of Mexico, the angling category fishery for school, large school, or small medium bluefin tuna (27 to <73”) still remains open in all areas. The Gulf of Maine and Gulf of Mexico trophy areas still remain open as well.
For those unfamiliar, the southern New England area is defined as south of 42° N. latitude and north of 39°18′ N. latitude. Additional information can be located in the Compliance Guide for Amendment 13.
