Closure: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna General Category (Commercial) Fishery

Closure: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna General Category (Commercial) Fishery

FISHERY: General Category Bluefin Tuna

CLOSED: August 22, 2024, 11:30 pm – August 31, 2024

REASON FOR CLOSURE:

Based on the best available landings information, the 355.4-mt quota for the June-August time period is projected to be reached and exceeded shortly

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., August 22, 2024 through August 31, 2024. Previously-designated restricted-fishing days for the rest of the June through August time period will be waived when this closure takes effect.

RECREATIONAL:

Not affected by this closure.

When is the fishery reopening?

The General category bluefin tuna fishery will automatically reopen on September 1, 2024, 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 Sunday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday) beginning on September 1, 2024.