Final 2022 Restricted-Fishing Days in Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fishery
Summary
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.