🎣Closure of Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fishery Affects September 2025 Season
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; Closure of the General Category September Fishery for 2025
Summary
NMFS closes the General category fishery for Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) for the remainder of the September time period. The General category may only retain, possess, or land large medium and giant (i.e., measuring 73 inches (185 centimeters (cm) curved fork length (CFL) or greater) BFT when the fishery is open. This action applies to Atlantic Tunas General category (commercial) permitted vessels and Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) Charter/Headboat permitted vessels with a commercial sale endorsement when fishing commercially for BFT. This action also waives the previously scheduled restricted- fishing days (RFDs) for the remainder of the September time period. With the RFDs waived during the closure, fishermen aboard General category permitted vessels and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels may tag and release BFT of all sizes, subject to the requirements of the catch-and-release and tag-and-release programs. On October 1, 2025, the fishery will reopen automatically and previously scheduled RFDs for October will resume.
Agencies
- Commerce Department
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Business Impact
$$$ - High
The closure of the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna General category fishery affects commercial fishing operations, impacting revenue and compliance for permitted vessels. The waiver of previously scheduled restricted fishing days until October may influence fishing schedules and practices. The potential quota reductions and penalties for exceeding limits could substantially impact business planning and financial outcomes.