Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; Angling Category Retention Limit Adjustment
Key claim: NMFS is adjusting the Atlantic bluefin tuna Angling category daily retention limits for private vessels, charter boats, and headboats to allow two, three, and six BFT per vessel per day respectively, within specified size ranges.
Abstract
(Rule · Commerce Department, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) NMFS is adjusting the Angling category Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) daily retention limit from the default of one school, large school, or small medium BFT to: two BFT per vessel per day/trip measuring 27 inches (68.5 cm) to less than 73 inches (185 cm) curved fork length (CFL), only one of which can be large school/small medium- sized fish (47 inches (119 cm) to less than 73 inches (185 cm) CFL) for private vessels with Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling category permits; three BFT per vessel per day/trip measuring 27 inches to less than 73 inches CFL, only one of which can be large school/small medium for charter boat vessels with HMS Charter/Headboat permits when fishing recreationally for BFT; and six BFT per vessel per day/trip measuring 27 inches to less than 73 inches CFL, only one of which can be large school/small medium for headboat vessels with HMS Charter/Headboat permits when fishing recreationally for BFT. These retention limits are effective in all areas, except for the Gulf of America, where targeted fishing for BFT is prohibited.
Why this matters
NMFS is adjusting the Atlantic bluefin tuna Angling category daily retention limits for private vessels, charter boats, and headboats to allow two, three, and six BFT per vessel per day respectively, within specified size ranges.