Quota Transfer: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Harpoon Category Fishery

NOAA Fisheries has transferred 10.8 metric tons (mt) of Atlantic bluefin tuna quota from the Reserve category to the Harpoon category. The resulting adjusted quotas are:

• Harpoon category = 70.0 mt
• Reserve category = 27.4 mt

These quotas will remain in effect for the remainder of the 2023 fishing year or until otherwise adjusted.

Who is affected?

This action applies only to commercial vessels with an Atlantic Tunas Harpoon category permit.

Catch reporting

Dealers are required to submit landing reports within 24 hours of receiving bluefin tuna. Late dealer reporting compromises NOAA Fisheries’ ability to implement actions such as quota and retention limit adjustments or fishery closures and may result in enforcement actions.

Separate from the dealer reporting requirement, Harpoon category permitted vessel owners are required to report the catch of all bluefin tuna retained or discarded dead within 24 hours of the landing(s) or end of each trip by:

• Accessing the HMS Permit Shop
• Using the HMS Catch Reporting app
• Calling 888-872-8862 (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.)