Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Sales Banned Until April Catch Limit
Published Date: 3/5/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting February 28, 2025, at 11:30 p.m., the commercial fishing of Atlantic bluefin tuna in the General category will be paused until March 31, 2025. This means fishermen with the right permits can’t keep or sell these big tunas during this time but can tag and release them. The fishery will automatically reopen on June 1, 2025, giving fishers a clear timeline to plan their catches and sales.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
General Category BFT Fishery Closure
Starting February 28, 2025 at 11:30 p.m. local time through March 31, 2025, vessels with Atlantic Tunas General category permits and HMS Charter/Headboat permits with a commercial sale endorsement may not retain, possess, or land large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna (measuring 73 inches / 185 centimeters curved fork length or greater). This means commercial fishers cannot keep or sell those big BFT during that period.
Reopening with Summer Retention Limits
The General category fishery will automatically reopen on June 1, 2025 for the June–August time period. When it reopens the retention limit will be three large medium or giant BFT per vessel per day/trip, and beginning July 1, 2025 the retention limit on open days will drop to one large medium or giant BFT per vessel per day/trip through August 31, 2025.
Tag-and-Release Allowed During Closure
During the closure (February 28, 2025 11:30 p.m. through March 31, 2025), fishermen on the affected permitted vessels may tag and release bluefin tuna of any size, but must follow the catch-and-release and tag-and-release program rules and handle fish to maximize survival (including not removing fish from the water).
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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