2025-2026 Commercial Fishing Restrictions for Pacific Bluefin Tuna in the Eastern Pacific Ocean

NMFS is issuing a proposed rule to implement a resolution on 2025-2026 catch limits for Pacific bluefin tuna in the eastern Pacific ocean adopted by the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) at its meeting in September 2024 in Panama City, Panama. NMFS also announces the availability of a draft environmental assessment that analyzes the potential effects of the associated proposed rule (see below).

The intent behind these trip limits is to encourage U.S. vessel owners and operators to fully utilize the U.S. catch limit while allowing ample opportunity for multiple gear types. Trip limit reductions would adjust seasonally, with the intent to ensure a portion of the annual catch limit remains available to smaller-volume gear types throughout the year. The proposed annual catch and trip limits are described in detail below.

In 2025, the proposed annual catch limit would be 1,285 mt. In 2026, the proposed annual limit would be the total cumulative catch in 2025 subtracted from the biennial limit, not to exceed 1,285 mt.

The proposed initial trip limit for both 2025 and 2026 is 60 mt, and would reduce as follows:

• January - June:
  • The trip limit reduces to 40 mt once the total catch is within 400 mt of the annual limit.
  • The trip limit reduces to 5 mt once the total catch is within 225 mt of the annual limit.
• July - September:
  • The trip limit reduces to 40 mt once the catch is within 300 mt of the annual limit.
  • The trip limit reduces to 5 mt once the total catch is within 175 mt of the annual limit.
• October - December:
  • The trip limit reduces to 40 mt once the catch is within 200 mt of the annual limit.
  • The trip limit reduces to 5 mt once the total catch is within 125 mt of the annual limit.

Existing in-season action and reporting procedures would continue to apply under this rulemaking. NMFS would use available fishery information to estimate when the overall catch is expected to reach thresholds to reduce the trip limit. NMFS would then announce in-season actions to reduce the trip limit or close the fishery on the NMFS website, via email, and by federal register notice.

The 30-day public comment period on the proposed rule and associated draft environmental assessment closes on January 29, 2025.