Closure: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna General Category (Commercial) Fishery
Summary
FISHERY: General Category Bluefin Tuna
CLOSED: January 26, 2024, 11:30 pm – March 31, 2024
REASON FOR CLOSURE:
Based on the best available landings information, the 58.2-mt quota for the January-March time period is projected to be reached and exceeded.
PERMITS AFFECTED:
Atlantic Tunas General category permitted vessels and highly migratory species Charter/Headboat permitted vessels with a commercial sale endorsement when fishing commercially for bluefin tuna.
Commercial fishermen aboard vessels with an Atlantic Tunas General category or highly
migratory species Charter/Headboat permit may not retain, possess, or land large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna from 11:30 p.m., January 24, 2024 through March 31, 2024.
RECREATIONAL: Not affected by this closure.
When is the fishery reopening?
The General category bluefin tuna fishery will automatically reopen on June 1, 2024, for the June-August time period.
Reporting
Atlantic Tunas General, Harpoon, and highly migratory species Charter/Headboat category 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.).