Based on reported landings of 2.1 mt from the NOAA Fisheries Automated Catch Reporting System and the North Carolina Tagging Program as of March 9, 2018, NOAA Fisheries has determined that the codified Angling category southern area trophy bluefin tuna subquota has been reached and exceeded and that the trophy fishery should be closed in that area. Retaining, possessing, or landing large medium or giant bluefin tuna south of 39°18’ N. lat. and outside the Gulf of Mexico by persons aboard vessels permitted in the HMS Angling category and the Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat category (when fishing recreationally) must cease at 11:30 p.m. local time on March 17, 2018. The intent of this closure is to prevent any further overharvest of the Angling category southern area trophy bluefin tuna subquota.
The annual Angling category trophy limit of one large medium or giant bluefin tuna per vessel remains in effect for vessels fishing in the northern area and in the Gulf of Mexico area. The Angling category fishery for bluefin tuna measuring 27 to less than 73” is open except in the Gulf of Mexico. Catch-and-release fishing is permissible as described below.
Who is affected?
This closure applies to vessels permitted in the HMS Angling category and the HMS Charter/Headboat category fishing recreationally in the southern area (defined in bold above). Fishermen may catch and release or tag and release bluefin tuna of all sizes, subject to the requirements of HMS catch-and-release and tag-and-release programs. NOAA Fisheries regulations require that all bluefin tuna that are released be handled in a manner that will maximize their survival, and without removing the fish from the water. For additional information on safe handling, see the Careful Catch and Release brochure. Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat and Angling category 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 or by using the HMS Catch Reporting App.
This notice is a courtesy to bluefin tuna fishery permit holders to help keep you informed about the fishery. For more information on bluefin tuna fishing regulations, including recreational size and retention limits, please go to the HMS Permit Shop or call (978) 281-9260. Official notice of Federal fishery actions is made through filing such notice with the Office of the Federal Register.
