Closure: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Angling Category Gulf of Mexico Area Trophy Fishery

Closure: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Angling Category Gulf of Mexico Area Trophy Fishery

FISHERY: Angling Category Gulf of Mexico Area Trophy Bluefin Tuna.

Please note that the Angling category fishery for school, large school, or small medium bluefin tuna (27 to <73”) remains open in all areas except for the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf of Mexico is designated as bluefin tuna spawning grounds and is where NOAA Fisheries does not allow targeted fishing for bluefin tuna. The Gulf of Maine trophy area remains open.

CLOSED: May 29, 2024, 11:30 pm – December 31, 2024

REASON FOR CLOSURE:

Based on the best available landings information, the 2.3-mt subquota has been reached and exceeded.

PERMITS AFFECTED:

Highly Migratory Species Angling category permitted vessels and Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permitted vessels fishing recreationally in the Gulf of Mexico.

Recreational fishermen aboard vessels with an Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Angling category or Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permit may not retain, possess, or land large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna (measuring 73 inches curved fork length or greater) in the Gulf of Mexico from 11:30 p.m. May 29, 2024, through December 31, 2024.

COMMERCIAL: Not affected by this closure.

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 the landing(s) or 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.).