In July, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) drafted a proposal to create a recreational limit for blackfin tuna in Florida and the surrounding federal waters. In it’s October meeting, the proposal was finally voted on and approved. This new regulation changes only slightly the old bag limits for blackfin tuna. Previously, blackfin tuna had a recreational limit of 2 fish or 100 pounds per person, per day, whichever is greater. Now, that limit has been altered to be 2 fish per person or 10 fish per vessel, per day, whichever is greater. The recreational limit previously applied only to Florida state waters but now extends into federal waters. This limit alteration comes in response to growing concerns by the FWC regarding blackfin tuna population sustainability. Whether there will be more limitations on commercial fishing to more highly regulate blackfin tuna landings remains to be seen.

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