February 5, 2020

NMFS Still Considering Gear and Quota Changes in Atlantic

Pelagic longline “research” decisions not yet issued that could authorize the gear to fish inside waters closed for 19 and 20 years off of Florida’s east coast, Charleston and in the Gulf of Mexico. The closures were implemented to reduce longline bycatch mortality of overfished swordfish, marlin, sailfish, tunas, sharks, sea turtles and marine mammals.  Swordfish stocks have recovered, but not the other species for which the waters were closed. If “longline research” inside the closed waters is authorized, it will be a clear indication the NMFS is writing- off the recovery of overfished billfish and the other species for which the waters were closed.  Gear conflicts and overfishing will increase as well.

Individual Bluefin tuna Quota (IBQ) management modifications have yet been announced. The pivotal issue is whether the Purse Seine Category (PS), which has not landed a bluefin since 2015 due to small fish comprising most of the targeted schools, will be abolished or temporarily suspended.  If so, the PS quota allocation may be distributed among other authorized fishing Categories, which may result in the Angling Category receiving increased tonnage.

To stay up to date on all things billfish, become a member, subscribe to our monthly newsletter, and follow us on social media, @TheBillfishFoundation.

Pelagic longline “research” decisions not yet issued that could authorize the gear to fish inside waters closed for 19 and 20 years off of Florida’s east coast, Charleston and in the Gulf of Mexico. The closures were implemented to reduce longline bycatch mortality of overfished swordfish, marlin, sailfish, tunas, sharks, sea turtles and marine mammals.  Swordfish stocks have recovered, but not the other species for which the waters were closed. If “longline research” inside the closed waters is authorized, it will be a clear indication the NMFS is writing- off the recovery of overfished billfish and the other species for which the waters were closed.  Gear conflicts and overfishing will increase as well.

Individual Bluefin tuna Quota (IBQ) management modifications have yet been announced. The pivotal issue is whether the Purse Seine Category (PS), which has not landed a bluefin since 2015 due to small fish comprising most of the targeted schools, will be abolished or temporarily suspended.  If so, the PS quota allocation may be distributed among other authorized fishing Categories, which may result in the Angling Category receiving increased tonnage.

To stay up to date on all things billfish, become a member, subscribe to our monthly newsletter, and follow us on social media, @TheBillfishFoundation.

Get on Board

Get up to date information on events, news, and research on a constant basis. Submit your email now to join our exclusive newsletter.

Share this Story

Latest News

Shop TBF

Billfish Tagging Kits
$56.00
TBF Yeti Hotshot Bottle
$30.00
Billfish Foundation Tags
$21.00
TBF Yeti Slim Can Cooler
$25.00

Upcoming Events

Recent News

Exploring the Depths of Conservation: Dive into the latest updates and insights from The Billfish Foundation. Discover engaging stories and pioneering research in our ongoing commitment to marine preservation.

Interested in Learning More?

TBF provides a voice for billfish conservation and the recreational fishing community globally.
Our success would not be possible without the support of our community. Review the ways you can support our efforts.
TBF fosters strong billfish conservation ethics, helping anglers of all generations understand the importance of the recreational sportfishing industry and billfish

Get on Board

Join our Newsletter

Get up to date information on events, news, and research on a constant basis. Submit your email now to join our exclusive newsletter.

Explore Our Socials

Search TBF