The Angling category Gulf of Mexico incidental trophy bluefin tuna fishery will close effective 11:30 p.m., April 16, 2020. Trophy bluefin tuna are those measuring 73 inches or greater.
The fishery will remain closed through December 31, 2020.
Why Is This Change Being Made?
Based on the best available landings information, NOAA Fisheries has determined that the Angling category Gulf of Mexico incidental trophy bluefin tuna subquota of 1.8 mt has been reached and exceeded and, therefore, closure of the fishery is warranted.
Who is Affected?
Individuals aboard vessels with an Atlantic HMS Angling or Atlantic HMS Charter/Headboat permit fishing recreationally in the Gulf of Mexico may not retain, possess, or land large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna after 11:30 p.m. on April 16, 2020.
Note that the Angling category fishery for school, large school, or small medium bluefin tuna (27 to <73 inches) remains open in all areas except for the Gulf of Mexico, where NOAA Fisheries does not allow targeted fishing for bluefin tuna because it has been designated as a spawning ground.
Fishermen may also 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. All bluefin tuna that are released must be handled in a manner that will maximize survivability and without removing the fish from the water.
Catch Reporting
Angling category and HMS Charter/Headboat category permitted vessel owners are required to report the catch of all bluefin retained or discarded dead within 24 hours of landing or the 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.).
