Closure: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Angling Category Southern Area Trophy Fishery
Summary
Closure: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Angling Category Southern Area Trophy Fishery
FISHERY: Angling Category Southern Area Trophy Bluefin Tuna.
The southern area is defined as the area south of 39°18’N. lat. (off Great Egg Inlet, New Jersey), outside the Gulf of Mexico. More information on this area can be found in the Amendment 13 Compliance Guide.
Please note, that the Angling category fishery for school, large school, or small medium bluefin tuna (27 to <73”) remains open in all areas except for the Gulf of Mexico, which is designated as bluefin tuna spawning grounds and where NOAA Fisheries does not allow targeted fishing for bluefin tuna. The Angling category bluefin tuna trophy fisheries for the Gulf of Mexico, Southern New England, and Gulf of Maine areas remain open.
CLOSED: February 9, 2024, 11:30 pm – December 31, 2024
REASON FOR CLOSURE:
Based on the best available landings information, the 2.3-mt subquota has been reached and exceeded.
PERMITS AFFECTED:
Highly Migratory Species Angling category permitted vessels and Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permitted vessels fishing recreationally in the southern area (defined above).
Recreational fishermen aboard vessels with an Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Angling category or Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permit (while fishing recreationally) may not retain, possess, or land large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna (i.e., measuring 73 inches curved fork length or greater) in the southern area from 11:30 p.m. February 9, 2024, through December 31, 2024.
COMMERCIAL: Not affected by this closure.
Reporting
Highly Migratory Species Angling and Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permitted vessel owners are required to report the catch of all bluefin retained or discarded dead within 24 hours of the landing(s) or end of each trip by:
- Accessing the Highly Migratory Species Permit Shop
- Using the Highly Migratory Species Catch Reporting app
- Calling 888-872-8862 (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.)