NOAA Fisheries is adjusting the Atlantic bluefin tuna Angling category quota by transferring 15 mt of quota from the Reserve category. Specific to this action, NOAA Fisheries is increasing the large school/small medium (measuring 47 to <73”) subquota.
The resulting adjusted quotas are:
- Angling category large school/small medium subquota: 188.4 mt
- Reserve category quota: 27 mt
Note, this action applies to Highly Migratory Species Angling and Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permitted vessels when fishing recreationally for bluefin tuna. The recreational daily retention limits for private vessels, charter boats, and headboat vessels are still effective for all areas except for the Gulf of America, where NOAA Fisheries does not allow targeted fishing for bluefin tuna.
For further information on fishery status and current retention limits, please check the Recreational Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fishery Statuses and Bag Limits webpage or call (301) 427-8503.