🎣Adjustment of Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fishing Limits for 2025
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; Angling Category Retention Limit Adjustment
Summary
NMFS has determined, based on consideration of the regulatory determination criteria regarding inseason adjustments, that the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) daily retention limit that applies to Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels (when fishing recreationally for BFT) should be adjusted for the remainder of 2025, or until further modified. NMFS is adjusting the Angling category BFT daily retention limit from the default of one school, large school, or small medium BFT to: one school BFT and zero large school/small medium BFT per vessel per day/trip for private vessels with HMS Angling permits; two school BFT and zero large school/small medium BFT per vessel per day/trip for charter boat vessels with HMS Charter/Headboat permits when fishing recreationally for BFT; and two school BFT and zero large school/small medium BFT per vessel per day/trip for headboat vessels with HMS Charter/ Headboat permits when fishing recreationally for BFT. These retention limits are effective in all areas, except for the Gulf of America, where targeted fishing for BFT is prohibited.
Agencies
- Commerce Department
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Business Impact
$$ - Med
The regulatory text outlines an adjustment to the Atlantic bluefin tuna retention limits for fishing, impacting recreational fishing businesses reliant on these quotas. Compliance with these new limits will be necessary for fishers with HMS permits, directly affecting their daily operations and revenue generation.