Final 2022 Restricted-Fishing Days in Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fishery

NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule regarding restricted-fishing days (RFDs) in the Atlantic Tunas General category and HMS Charter/Headboat fisheries for 2022.

What will it do?

Under the final rule, NOAA Fisheries establishes a specific RFD schedule. Daily commercial bluefin tuna retention limits would be set to zero every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from July 1 through November 30 for the 2022 fishing year.

Atlantic Tunas General category permitted vessels cannot fish for (including catch-and-release and tag-and-release), possess, retain, land, or sell a bluefin tuna of any size class on an RFD.

HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels can fish for, possess, retain, or land bluefin tuna recreationally under applicable HMS Angling category rules, but cannot commercially fish for or land a bluefin tuna on an RFD.

Throughout the season, NOAA Fisheries may waive certain RFDs by increasing the bluefin tuna retention limit for those days; however, NOAA Fisheries will not modify RFDs in other ways (e.g., switching days, adding RFDs).

Who is affected?

• Any Atlantic Tunas General category or HMS Charter/Headboat permit holder fishing commercially for bluefin tuna.
• Any dealers who buy or sell Atlantic bluefin tuna.
• Some Atlantic bluefin tuna tournaments that are open to participation by Atlantic Tunas General category permit holders.

For more information contact Larry Redd, Jr., larry.redd@noaa.gov, 301-427-8543.