Closure: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Angling Category Southern New England Area Trophy Fishery

FISHERY:

Angling Category Southern New England Area Trophy Bluefin Tuna (the southern New England area is defined as the area south of 42° N. lat. and north of 39°18′ N. lat.). More information on this area can be found in the Amendment 13 Compliance Guide.

CLOSED: May 16, 2025, 11:30 pm – December 31, 2025

REASON FOR CLOSURE:

Based on the best available landings information, the 2.3-mt subquota is projected to be reached and exceeded shortly.

PERMITS AFFECTED:

Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling category permitted vessels and Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permitted vessels fishing recreationally in the southern New England 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 New England area from 11:30 p.m. May 16, 2025, through December 31, 2025.

COMMERCIAL:

Not affected by this closure.