Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Commercial Minimum Sizes and Retention Limits
Summary
Minimum sizes and retention limits vary by permit type and fish size. Additional requirements may be applicable. View the HMS Commercial Compliance Guide for details.
Permit Type | Fishery Status | Minimum Size (curved fork length) | Retention Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
HMS Charter/Headboat with a commercial endorsement | Closed | -- | Not allowed until June 1. |
Atlantic Tunas General category | Closed | -- | Not allowed until June 1. |
Atlantic Tunas Harpoon category | Closed | -- | Not allowed until June 1. |
Atlantic Tunas Trap category | Open | 73” or greater | 1/vessel/year |
Atlantic Tunas Longline category | Open | 73” or greater | IBQ Program |
Permit
To commercially harvest bluefin tuna in federal waters—as well as the state waters of all states except 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.
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