Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Harpoon Category Fishery: Commercial Daily Retention Limit Adjustment
Summary
NOAA Fisheries is adjusting the Atlantic bluefin tuna daily retention limit for the Harpoon category fishery from 10 to 5 large medium and giant bluefin tuna (i.e., measuring 73” or greater curved fork length), combined, per vessel per day/trip. The adjusted limit goes into effect on July 14, 2023, and extends through November 15, 2023, unless modified by later action. The incidental retention limit of large medium bluefin tuna (i.e., measuring 73 to less than 81” curved fork length) remains at the default level of 2 per vessel per day/trip.
Who is affected?
This action applies only to commercial vessels with an Atlantic Tunas Harpoon category permit. The daily retention limit is effective for all areas except for the Gulf of Mexico, where NOAA Fisheries does not allow targeted fishing for bluefin tuna.
Catch reporting
Dealers are required to submit landings reports within 24 hours of receiving bluefin tuna. Late dealer reporting compromises NOAA Fisheries’ ability to implement actions such as quota and retention limit adjustments or fishery closures and may result in enforcement actions.
Separate from the dealer reporting requirement, Harpoon category permitted vessel owners are required to report the catch of all bluefin retained or discarded dead within 24 hours of landing or the end of each trip by:
- Accessing the HMS Permit Shop.
- Using the HMS Catch Reporting app.
- Calling 888-872-8862 (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.).
This notice is a courtesy to fishery participants to help keep you informed about the fishery. Official notice of Federal fishery actions is made through filing such notice with the Office of the Federal Register.