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Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Angling Category Fishery: Southern Area Trophy Fishery Closing March 17, 2018

NOAA Fisheries closes the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) Angling category fishery for large medium and giant “trophy” BFT (measuring 73” or greater) in the southern area effective 11:30 p.m. local time, Saturday, March 17, 2018, through December 31, 2018.  The southern area is the area south of 39°18’N (off Great Egg Inlet, NJ), outside the Gulf of Mexico.

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 BFT 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 BFT south of 39°18’ N. lat. and outside the Gulf of Mexico by persons aboard vessels permitted in the HMS Angling category and the HMS 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 BFT subquota.

The annual Angling category trophy limit of one large medium or giant BFT per vessel remains in effect for vessels fishing in the northern area and in the Gulf of Mexico area.  The Angling category fishery for BFT 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 BFT of all sizes, subject to the requirements of HMS catch-and-release and tag-and-release programs.  NOAA Fisheries regulations require that all BFT 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.  HMS Charter/Headboat and Angling category vessel owners are required to report the catch of all BFT 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 BFT fishery permit holders to help keep you informed about the fishery.  For more information on BFT 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.