Reminder: Restricted-Fishing Days for the Bluefin Tuna Commercial General Category Fishery Start on July 1, 2025
NOAA Fisheries reminds Atlantic Tunas General category permit holders and Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permit holders fishing commercially for bluefin tuna that restricted-fishing days (RFDs) will begin tomorrow, under current regulations.
Every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from July 1 through November 30, 2025 will be a restricted-fishing day (e.g., no commercial retention of bluefin tuna).
On an RFD:
- Atlantic Tunas General category permitted vessels cannot fish for (including catch-and-release and tag-and-release fishing), possess, retain, land, or sell a bluefin tuna of any size class. These vessels can fish for other tunas under the General category permit restrictions; and
- 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.
NOAA Fisheries may decide to waive an RFD depending on catch rates and other factors. Vessels fishing recreationally for Highly Migratory Species are not affected by RFDs.
Coordinate with a Dealer before fishing
NOAA Fisheries suggests coordinating with a dealer before fishing to make sure you can sell the fish according to the regulations. 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 RFD, regardless of when the vessel returns to the dock. Bluefin tuna must be reported by permit holders via the HMS Permit Shop, HMS Catch Reporting App, or by calling 888-872-8862. If the permit holder is unable to sell the fish, they must also report the fish by calling 978-281-9213 to obtain a tag number.
For more information please refer to the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species website.
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