Reduction in Bluefin Tuna Bag Limit for General Category

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Bluefin Tuna General Category Retention Limit Set to One Fish through August 31, 2019 Adjusted Retention Limit Effective beginning July 11, 2019 Beginning July 11, 2019, Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) General category permit holders and authorized HMS Charter/Headboat category vessels fishing commercially can retain one BFT measuring 73” or greater per vessel per day/trip. This adjusted limit will be in effect through at least August 31, 2019.​

What is Changing? The daily retention limit for the BFT General category will drop from three large medium or giant BFT to one per vessel per day/trip. ​ How Long Will the Adjustment be Effective? The daily retention limit of one large medium or giant BFT per vessel per day/trip will be in effect through the remainder of the June 1 through August 31 subquota period. This adjusted limit will apply for the September 2019 General category fishery as well unless we publish a subsequent adjustment in the Federal Register. ​ Who is Affected? This action applies to General category permitted vessels and to HMS Charter/Headboat category permitted vessels with a commercial sale endorsement when fishing commercially for BFT. It is effective for all areas except for the Gulf of Mexico. Because it is a designated spawning ground, targeted BFT fishing is not allowed in the Gulf. Regardless of the duration of a fishing trip, the daily retention limit applies upon landing. For example, whether a vessel fishing under the General category limit takes a two-day trip or makes two trips in one day, the daily limit of one fish may not be exceeded upon landing.​