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Adjustment to Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Angling Category Retention Limit for 2019

Overview

Fishing Type
Recreational
Action Status
Temporary Rule
Effective
May 11–December 31, 2019

Summary

The Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) daily retention limit that applies to vessels permitted in the Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling category and the HMS Charter/Headboat category when fishing recreationally for bluefin has been adjusted for the remainder of 2019. 

The adjusted daily retention limits below apply to vessels permitted in the recreational HMS Angling category and the HMS Charter/Headboat category while fishing recreationally. 

  • Charter boats are vessels less than 100 gross tons that meet the requirements of the U.S. Coast Guard to carry six or fewer passengers for hire.
  • Headboats are vessels that hold a valid Certificate of Inspection issued by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry passengers for hire. 

The daily retention limits are effective for all areas except the Gulf of Mexico, where NOAA Fisheries does not allow targeted fishing for bluefin. 

Quota Category and Vessel/Permit Type

Default Retention Limit per Vessel per Day/Trip

Adjusted Retention Limit per Vessel per Day/Trip

Effective Period of Adjusted Retention Limit

Angling category 

for private, HMS Angling category-permitted vessels

1 school, large school, or small medium BFT (27 to <73”)

  • 2 school BFT (27 to <47”), and
  • 1 large school/small medium BFT (47 to <73”)

May 11–December 31, 2019

Angling category 

for charter boats with HMS Charter/Headboat category permits, when fishing recreationally

1 school, large school, or small medium BFT (27 to <73”)

  • 3 school BFT (27 to <47”), and
  • 1 large school/small medium BFT (47 to <73”)

May 11–December 31, 2019

Angling category 

for headboats with HMS Charter/Headboat category permits, when fishing recreationally

1 school, large school, or small medium BFT (27 to <73”)

  • 6 school BFT (27 to <47”), and
  • 2 large school/small medium BFT (47 to <73”)

May 11–December 31, 2019

Federal Register

Last updated by Office of Sustainable Fisheries on 10/28/2021

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna