Atlantic Bigeye, Albacore, Yellowfin and Skipjack Tuna Commercial Minimum Sizes and Retention Limits
Summary
Minimum sizes and retention limits vary by permit type and species. Additional requirements may be applicable. View the HMS Commercial Compliance Guide for details.
HMS Charter/Headboat Permit With a Commercial Sale Endorsement
Species | Fishery Status | Minimum Size (curved fork length) | Retention Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
Bigeye tuna | Open | 27” | No limit |
Albacore tuna | Open | None | No limit |
Yellowfin tuna | Open | 27” | No limit |
Skipjack tuna | Open | None | No limit |
Atlantic Tunas General Category Permit
Species | Fishery Status | Minimum Size (curved fork length) | Retention Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
Bigeye tuna | Open | 27” | No limit |
Albacore tuna | Open | None | No limit |
Yellowfin tuna | Open | 27” | No limit |
Skipjack tuna | Open | None | No limit |
Atlantic Tunas Harpoon Category Permit
Species | Fishery Status | Minimum Size (curved fork length) | Retention Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
Bigeye tuna | Open | 27” | No limit |
Albacore tuna | Open | None | No limit |
Yellowfin tuna | Open | 27” | No limit |
Skipjack tuna | Open | None | No limit |
Atlantic Tunas Longline Category Permit
Species | Fishery Status | Minimum Size (curved fork length) | Retention Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
Bigeye tuna | Open | 27” | No limit |
Albacore tuna | Open | None | No limit |
Yellowfin tuna | Open | 27” | No limit |
Skipjack tuna | Open | None | No limit |
Commercial Caribbean Small Boat Permit
Species | Fishery Status | Minimum Size (curved fork length) | Retention Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
Bigeye tuna | Open | 27” | 10/vessel/trip |
Albacore tuna | Open | None | 10/vessel/trip |
Yellowfin tuna | Open | 27” | 10/vessel/trip |
Skipjack tuna | Open | None | 10/vessel/trip |
Permit
To commercially harvest bigeye, albacore, yellowfin, or skipjack tuna in federal waters—as well as the state waters of all states except Maine, Connecticut, and Mississippi—vessel owners must obtain one of the following permits:
- Atlantic Tunas permit, which has General, Harpoon, Trap and Longline categories. Vessels with a Longline category permit must also have a Swordfish Directed or Swordfish Incidental permit.
- Atlantic HMS Charter/Headboat permit with a commercial endorsement.
- HMS Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit, which is valid only in the U.S. Caribbean region.
Only one permit type will be issued to a vessel per year.
Measurement
Measure curved fork length by following the curve of the fish's body from the tip of the jaw to fork of the tail.
