Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; Closure of the Angling Category Gulf of Maine Area Trophy Fishery for 2026
Key claim: NMFS is closing the 2026 Angling category Gulf of Maine area trophy fishery for large medium and giant Atlantic bluefin tuna to HMS Angling and Charter/Headboat vessels fishing recreationally.
Abstract
(Rule · Commerce Department, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) 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 or greater)) Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT). This action applies to Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels when fishing recreationally.
Why this matters
NMFS is closing the 2026 Angling category Gulf of Maine area trophy fishery for large medium and giant Atlantic bluefin tuna to HMS Angling and Charter/Headboat vessels fishing recreationally.