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Atlantic Bigeye, Albacore, Yellowfin and Skipjack Tuna Recreational Minimum Sizes

Overview

Description
This summary is provided as a courtesy. Regulations are officially announced through the Federal Register.
Fishing Type
Recreational
Action Status
Final Rule
Published
Page updated July 1, 2020
Point of Contact
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Management Division, 978-281-9260

Summary

Minimum sizes vary by species. Additional requirements may be applicable. View the HMS Recreational Compliance Guide for details. 

Species

Fishery Status

Minimum Size 

(curved fork length)

Bag Limit*

Albacore tuna

Open

None

No limit

Bigeye tuna

Open

27”

No limit

Skipjack tuna

Open

None

No limit

Yellowfin tuna

Open

27”

3/person/day or trip

*Tunas cannot be retained if a hammerhead or oceanic whitetip shark is on board or has been offloaded from the vessel. 

Permits

Vessels must have a valid HMS Angling or HMS Charterboat/Headboat permit to fish for Atlantic bigeye, albacore, yellowfin, or skipjack tunas. The permit covers everyone fishing on that vessel. Tournament vessels may instead fish these species with an Atlantic Tunas General category permit. 

Buy or renew a permit 

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. 

Curved fork length.png

Illustration by Diane Rome Peebles. 

Last updated by Office of Sustainable Fisheries on 07/01/2020

Bigeye Tuna