Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Angling Category Fishery: Recreational Daily Retention Limit Adjustment
Summary
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Angling Category Fishery
Recreational Daily Retention Limit Adjustment
NOAA Fisheries is adjusting Atlantic bluefin tuna daily retention limits for recreational fishermen. The adjusted limits will take effect immediately, and extend through December 31, 2024, unless modified by later action.
What is changing?
The table below summarizes the changes to the recreational bluefin tuna retention limits.
| Vessel/Permit Type | Default Retention Limit per Vessel per Day/Trip | Adjusted Retention Limit per Vessel per Day/Trip |
|---|---|---|
| Private vessels with a Highly Migratory Species Angling category permit | 1 school, large school, or small medium (27 to <73”) | 2 school (27 to <47”) 1 large school/small medium (47 to <73”)
|
| Charter boats with a Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permit fishing recreationally | 1 school, large school, or small medium | 3 school 1 large school/small medium |
| Headboats with a Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permit fishing recreationally | 1 school, large school, or small medium | 12 school 2 large school/small medium |
Who is affected?
The changes apply to Highly Migratory Species Angling and Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permitted vessels when fishing recreationally. The daily retention limits are effective for all areas except for the Gulf of Mexico, where NOAA Fisheries does not allow targeted fishing for bluefin tuna.
Catch reporting
Highly Migratory Species Angling and Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permitted vessel owners are required to report the catch of all bluefin retained or discarded dead within 24 hours of landing or the end of each trip by:
- Accessing the Highly Migratory Species Permit Shop.
- Using the Highly Migratory Species Catch Reporting app.
- Calling 888-872-8862 (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.).