2023 U.S. Territorial Longline Bigeye Tuna Catch Limits

NOAA Fisheries is proposing fishing year 2023 catch and allocation limits for longline-caught bigeye tuna in the U.S. Pacific territories. The limits would apply to American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and would support the sustainability of Pacific bigeye tuna stocks. These stocks are not overfished and are not subject to overfishing, according to the most recent stock assessments.

Catch Limits, Allocation Limits, and Accountability Measures

We propose a catch limit of 2,000 metric tons (t) of bigeye tuna per territory. Under the proposal, each territory could allocate up to 1,500 t to U.S. longline fishing vessels in a specified fishing agreement that meets established criteria. However, the overall allocation limit among all territories may not exceed 3,000 t.

As an accountability measure, NOAA Fisheries would monitor U.S. longline catches. If we project that the fishery will reach a territorial or allocation limit, we would prohibit retention of bigeye tuna.

NOAA Fisheries is accepting comments on the proposed rule through April 28, 2023.

Read the Federal Register notice and supporting documentation