Adjustment to Bluefin Tuna General Category Daily Retention Limit for June-August Subquota Time Period

NOAA Fisheries adjusted the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) General category daily retention limit from the default limit of one to three large medium or giant BFT (measuring 73 inches or greater) per vessel per day/trip for the beginning of the June 1 through August 31, 2019 time period.

This action applies to General category permitted vessels and to HMS Charter/Headboat category permitted vessels with a commercial sale endorsement when fishing commercially for BFT. It is effective for all areas except for the Gulf of Mexico, which is designated as BFT spawning grounds and where NOAA Fisheries does not allow targeted fishing for BFT.

Regardless of the duration of a fishing trip, the daily retention limit applies upon landing. For example, whether a vessel fishing under the General category limit takes a two-day trip or makes two trips in one day, the daily limit of three fish may not be exceeded upon landing.