Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; Closure of the Angling Category Gulf of America Trophy Fishery for 2026
Key claim: NMFS closes the 2026 Angling category Gulf of America trophy Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery to HMS Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels fishing recreationally.
Abstract
(Rule · Commerce Department, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) NMFS closes the Angling category Gulf of America 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 closes the 2026 Angling category Gulf of America trophy Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery to HMS Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels fishing recreationally.