Beginning January 1, 2020, the recreational retention limits for bluefin tuna will return to the defaults listed below.
These limits apply to all vessels with an Atlantic Tunas Angling Category permit and vessels with an HMS Charter/Headboat permit when fishing recreationally. They are effective for all areas except the Gulf of Mexico, where NOAA Fisheries does not allow targeted fishing for bluefin.
|
Permit Type |
Retention Limit |
|---|---|
|
Atlantic Tunas Angling Category |
1 school, large school, or small medium fish (27 to <73”) |
|
HMS Charter/Headboat |
1 school, large school, or small medium fish (27 to <73”) |
Bluefin tuna retention limits may change throughout the season but are in effect until further notice. NOAA Fisheries typically publishes an adjustment in the Federal Register in the spring of each year.
Visit our Recreational Compliance Guide for more on fishing rules and regulations.
