Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; Closure of the General Category October Through November Fishery for 2026
Key claim: NOAA is closing the General category Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery for the rest of October–November 2026, with catch-and-release still allowed and the fishery reopening automatically on December 1.
Abstract
(Rule · Commerce Department, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) NMFS closes the General category fishery for Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) for the remainder of the October through November 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 also waives the previously scheduled restricted-fishing days (RFDs) for the remainder of the October through November 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 December 1, 2026, the fishery will reopen automatically.
Why this matters
In-season NOAA quota closures are the main lever managing Atlantic bluefin tuna harvest within annual ICCAT limits, and they directly determine when commercial General category permit holders can retain fish. Repeated mid-period closures across consecutive subquota windows signal that landings are tracking at or above projected pace, which can shift effort to catch-and-release and affect downstream subquota transfers.