Changes to Bluefin Tuna Commercial Handgear Fishery
Effective as of July 1st, all Atlantic Tunas General category permit holders, as well as Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permit holders commercially fishing for bluefin tunas will encounter restricted fishing days. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has stated every Sunday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from July 1 through November 30, 2024 will now […]
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna General Category (Commercial) Fishery Closed
Based on the best available landings information, the adjusted 58.2-mt quota for the January through March time period has been reached and exceeded. Therefore, the fishery will be closed from February 14, 2023, 11:30 pm – March 31, 2023. PERMITS AFFECTED: Atlantic Tunas General category permitted vessels and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels with a commercial sale endorsement when fishing commercially for bluefin tuna. Commercial fishermen aboard vessels with an Atlantic Tunas General category or HMS Charter/Headboat permit may NOT retain, possess, or land large medium, or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna from 11:30 p.m. February 14, 2023, through March 31
Atlantic Bluefin Quota Transfer and Seasonal Closure
As of 11:30pm on August 4th, 2021, fishing via the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna General Category is closed. NOAA Fisheries announced the closure because the 277.9 mt subquota for June through August has been reached. The fishery will reopen on September 1st, 2021. Once reopened, fishermen with the correct permits may retain one fish per vessel per day. The closure affects: NOAA Fisheries is transferring 30mt of bluefin tuna from the Reserve Category to the Harpoon Category. The transfer increases the Harpoon quota to 78mt and leaves 138mt in Reserve. The transfer is in effect through November 15th, 2021 (or
General Category Bluefin Fishery Temporary Closure
The General Category for Atlantic bluefin tuna will close beginning February 24th at 11:30pm and reopen on June 1st. This closure marks the fulfillment of the 100mt January subquota, which, despite it’s name, actually runs from January through March. This closure affects vessels with an Atlantic Tunas General category permit or an HMS Charter/Headboat permit with a commercial sale endorsement when fishing commercially for bluefin tuna. Additionally, this closure only applies to the retention, possession, and landing of medium, large, and giant bluefin tunas. To stay up-to-date on all things billfish and highly migratory species, become a member
