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2023 U.S. Territorial Longline Bigeye Tuna Catch Limits

Overview

Side-profile of bigeye tuna fish with shiny white on bottom and mid of body and yellow and dark blue on top. Tail fin is dark gray while other fins are more tan. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Jack Hornady
Description
Proposed 2023 bigeye tuna catch and allocation limits and accountability measures; request for comments
Fishing Type
Commercial
Affected Species
Action Status
Proposed Rule
Published
03/29/2021

Summary

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

Last updated by Pacific Islands Regional Office on 03/29/2023