🎣Closure of Gulf of Maine Trophy Tuna Fishery for 2025
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; Closure of the Angling Category Gulf of Maine Area Trophy Fishery for 2025
Summary
NMFS closes the Angling category Gulf of Maine area fishery for large medium and giant ("trophy" (i.e., measuring 73 inches (185 centimeters (cm)) curved fork length (CFL) or greater)) Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) for the remainder of the 2025 fishing year. The Gulf of Maine area trophy fishery is defined as north of lat. 42[deg] N. This action applies to Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels when fishing recreationally for BFT. In addition to this closure, NMFS, through a separate action, is simultaneously closing the Angling category fishery for school and large school/small medium (i.e., measuring 27 inches (68.5 cm) to less than 73 inches (185 cm) CFL) BFT. As a result of these closure actions, the Angling category fishery for BFT of all size classes is closed for the remainder of the year.
Agencies
- Commerce Department
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Business Impact
$$$ - High
The closure of the Angling category for Atlantic bluefin tuna fisheries has direct regulatory implications for affected business owners, especially fishermen and charter operators, as it restricts fishing activities and may impact revenue for the remainder of 2025. The closure is tied to maintaining sustainable fishing quotas, thus influencing operational strategies.