Closure of Bluefin Tuna Angling Category Northern Area Trophy Fishery

The bluefin tuna Angling category northern area trophy fishery is closed effective 11:30 p.m. on June 27, 2019, through December 31, 2019.

Based on the best available landings information, NOAA Fisheries has determined that the subquota of 1.8 mt for the Angling category northern area trophy bluefin tuna fishery has been reached. Trophy bluefin are those measuring 73 inches or greater. The northern area is the area north of 39°18’N lat. (off Great Egg Inlet, NJ). 

Persons aboard vessels permitted in the Atlantic HMS Angling and Atlantic HMS Charter/Headboat categories fishing recreationally in the northern area may not retain, possess, or land large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna after 11:30 p.m. on June 27, 2019, through December 31, 2019.

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.