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Inseason Adjustment
 Illustration by Diane Peebles
Transfer of 30 mt of Bluefin Tuna Reserve Category Quota to the Harpoon Category for 2019
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NOAA Fisheries has transferred 30 mt to the Harpoon category Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) quota from the Reserve category.
What is changing?
With this transfer, the adjusted Harpoon category quota is 76 mt for the 2019 fishing season. The adjusted Reserve category quota is 113 mt.
How long will the adjustment be effective?
The transfer will be in effect through November 15, 2019 or until the Harpoon category quota is reached, whichever comes first.
Who is affected?
This action applies only to commercial vessels with an Atlantic tunas Harpoon category permit.
Why is this change being made?
We are taking this action after considering the:
- Amount of available quota.
- Effects of the action on the continuation of the fishery, availability of BFT on the fishing grounds, and the value of information obtained from the fishery.
- Effects of the adjustment on the stock and on accomplishing the objectives of the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan and amendments.
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Catch Reporting
Dealers are required to submit landing reports within 24 hours of a dealer receiving BFT. Late reporting by dealers compromises our ability to timely implement actions such as quota adjustments and closures, and may result in enforcement actions.
Separate from the dealer reporting requirement, Harpoon category vessel owners are required to report their catch of all BFT retained or discarded dead, within 24 hours of landing or 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.).
NOAA Fisheries will closely monitor the BFT fishery. Depending on fishing effort and catch rates, NOAA Fisheries may determine that additional action is necessary to ensure available quota is not exceeded or to enhance scientific data collection from, and fishing opportunities in, all geographic areas.
This notice is a courtesy to BFT fishery permit holders to help keep you informed about the fishery. For additional information, call (978) 281-9260, or go to the HMS Permit Shop. Official notice of Federal fishery actions is made through filing such notice with the Office of the Federal.
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Upcoming Events
July 19 Conference call hearing on area-based and weak hook management proposed rule.
July 24 Public hearing on area-based and weak hook management proposed rule in Houma, LA.
July 25 Scoping meeting featuring potential tuna management measures in Houma, LA.
July 30 Scoping meeting on potential tuna management measures in Toms River, NJ.
July 31 Conference call hearing on area-based and weak hook management proposed rule.
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Fishery Bulletins and Notices
Visit NOAA Fisheries' Rules & Regulations directory to learn more about recent federal management actions affecting Atlantic highly migratory species.
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Questions?
Contact Sarah Mclaughlin, 978-281-9260, or Larry Redd, 301-427-8503.
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