Adjustment to Bluefin Tuna General Category Daily Retention Limit to One Fish for June–August Subquota Period

Beginning July 11, 2019, Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) General category permit holders and authorized HMS Charter/Headboat category vessels fishing commercially can retain one BFT measuring 73” or greater per vessel per day/trip. This adjusted limit will be in effect through at least August 31, 2019.

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. Because it is a designated spawning ground, targeted BFT fishing is not allowed in the Gulf.

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 one fish may not be exceeded upon landing.

The daily retention limit of one large medium or giant BFT per vessel per day/trip will be in effect through the remainder of the June 1 through August 31 subquota period.

This adjusted limit will apply for the September 2019 General category fishery as well unless we publish a subsequent adjustment in the Federal Register.