Reminder: Changes to Bluefin Tuna Commercial Handgear Fishery Requirements Effective July 1
NOAA Fisheries reminds Atlantic Tunas General category permit holders and Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permit holders fishing commercially for bluefin tuna of changes that go into effect on July 1, 2024. Vessels fishing recreationally for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species are not affected by these changes.
Restricted-fishing days
Every Sunday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from July 1 through November 30, 2024 will be a restricted-fishing day.
On a restricted-fishing day:
- Atlantic Tunas General category permitted vessels cannot fish for (including catch-and-release and tag-and-release fishing), possess, retain, land, or sell bluefin tuna of any size class. These vessels can fish for other tunas under the General category permit restrictions.
- Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permitted vessels cannot commercially fish for or land a bluefin tuna. Such vessels can fish for, possess, retain, or land bluefin tuna recreationally under applicable Highly Migratory Species Angling category rules.
General Category Daily Retention Limit
From July 1 through the end of the 2024 fishing year (while the General category is open), the retention limit is 1 large medium or giant (i.e., measuring 73 inches (185 centimeters) curved fork length or greater) bluefin tuna.
Coordinate with a Dealer
Anyone with an Atlantic Tunas General category permit or a Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permit with a commercial sale endorsement cannot land, sell, or transfer a bluefin tuna to a dealer on a restricted-fishing day, regardless of when the vessel returns to the dock. Bluefin tuna must be reported even if the permit holder is unable to sell the fish. NOAA Fisheries suggests coordinating with a dealer before fishing to make sure you can sell the fish according to the regulations.
For more information please refer to the General category effort control compliance guide.
|
