Atlantic HMS Quotas & ICCAT Implementation

Current understanding

NMFS periodically adjusts U.S. quotas for Atlantic highly migratory species (bluefin tuna, North and South Atlantic swordfish, and northern albacore) to implement binding recommendations from the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). A 2025 proposed rule would raise the U.S. Atlantic bluefin tuna baseline quota, allocate it among domestic subquota categories, and codify management procedures for swordfish and albacore without changing their baselines. Effects flow primarily to U.S. commercial and recreational HMS permit holders and to seafood consumers via landings volumes; framing is neutral and status is proposed.

Evidence log

• 2026-08-19 — Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; North Atlantic Swordfish, South Atlantic Swordfish, North Atlantic Albacore, and Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Quotas: cross-connection with fisheries-management-atlantic-hms: This annual quota-setting rule is the mechanism by which the broader HMS management framework implements ICCAT allocations for tuna and swordfish. (novelty: 2)
• 2026-08-14 — Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Revisions to Fishing Gear Regulations: cross-connection with fisheries-management-atlantic-hms: Both concern the regulatory framework for Atlantic highly migratory species; gear rule revisions sit alongside quota/ICCAT implementation as the two main HMS management levers. (novelty: 2)
• 2026-05-07 — Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; North Atlantic Swordfish, South Atlantic Swordfish, North Atlantic Albacore, and Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Quotas: cross-connection with atlantic-hms-mobulid-ray-retention-ban: Both are NMFS Atlantic HMS rulemakings implementing ICCAT recommendations — one setting quotas for target species, the other prohibiting retention of bycatch species. (novelty: 2)

Open questions

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