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Closure of Bluefin Tuna Angling Category Gulf of Mexico Trophy Fishery for 2020

Overview

Fishing Type
Recreational
Action Status
Final Rule
Effective
04/16/2020

Summary

The Angling category Gulf of Mexico incidental trophy bluefin tuna fishery is closed effective 11:30 p.m., April 16, 2020. Trophy bluefin tuna are those measure 73 inches or greater.  The fishery will remain closed through December 31, 2020. 

Individuals aboard vessels with an Atlantic HMS Angling or Atlantic HMS Charter/Headboat permit fishing recreationally in the Gulf of Mexico may not retain, possess, or land large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna after 11:30 p.m. on April 16, 2020.  

Fishermen may catch and release or tag and release bluefin tuna of all sizes, subject to the requirements of HMS catch-and-release and tag-and-release programs. All bluefin tuna that are released must be handled in a manner that will maximize survivability and without removing the fish from the water.

Federal Register

Bulletins

Closure of the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Angling Category Gulf of Mexico Incidental Trophy Fishery for 2020

The Angling category Gulf of Mexico incidental trophy bluefin tuna fishery will close effective 11:30 p.m., April 16, 2020. The fishery will remain closed through December 31, 2020.

Last updated by Office of Sustainable Fisheries on 04/15/2020

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna