Closure of Bluefin Tuna General Category Fishery for June–August Subperiod

The bluefin tuna General category fishery is closed for the June–August subquota period effective 11:30 p.m. on August 9, 2019. The fishery will reopen on September 1, 2019.

Based on the best available landing information, we project that the 277.9 mt subquota for June through August has been reached. As of August 6, reported landings total approximately 246 mt, and average daily catch rates are approximately 9.4 mt.  

Fishermen aboard vessels permitted in the Atlantic tunas General category may not retain, possess, or land large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna after 11:30 p.m. on August 9, 2019. This action also applies to HMS Charter/Headboat category permitted vessels with a commercial sale endorsement when fishing commercially for bluefin tuna.