Bluefin Tuna General Category (Commercial) Fishery Closure

Commercial fishermen aboard vessels with an Atlantic Tunas General category permit or Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Charter/Headboat permit may not retain, possess, or land large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna after 11:30 p.m., August 10, 2022. Previously designated restricted-fishing days for the rest of the June through August time period will be waived when this closure takes effect.

When will the fishery reopen?

The General category bluefin tuna fishery will reopen on September 1, 2022, with the default daily/trip retention limit of one fish per vessel. Commercial fishermen will not be able to land bluefin tuna on restricted-fishing days (every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday) beginning on September 2, 2022.

Why is the fishery closing?

Based on the best available landings information, the 293.9-mt quota available for the June through August time period is projected to be reached shortly.

Who is affected?

This action applies to General category permitted vessels and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels with a commercial sale endorsement when fishing commercially for bluefin tuna..

Recreational fishermen are not affected by this closure or by restricted-fishing days, and operate under different catch limits.

Reporting

Atlantic Tunas General category and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessel owners are required to report all bluefin tuna retained or discarded dead within 24 hours of the landing(s) or 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.).