Proposed 2022 Restricted-Fishing Days in Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fishery

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

What will it do?

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

Atlantic Tunas General category permitted vessels may not 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 may fish for, possess, retain, or land bluefin tuna recreationally under applicable HMS Angling category rules, but may not 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 would 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. (301) 427-8543.