Tuna Fishermen Reel In Fewer Big Blues This Summer Season
Published Date: 5/6/2025
Rule
Summary
Fishermen with General and Harpoon bluefin tuna permits are getting new daily catch limits. In June, General category fishers can keep only 1 big tuna per day instead of 3, while Harpoon fishers can keep up to 5 big tunas daily instead of 10, through November 15, 2025. These changes help protect tuna populations while keeping fishing fair and fun!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
General Category June limit cut
In June, General category fishermen may keep only 1 large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna per day instead of the prior default of 3. This limit applies to Atlantic Tunas General category (commercial) permitted vessels and Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Charter/Headboat permitted vessels with a commercial sale endorsement when fishing commercially for bluefin tuna. The limit is effective for the month of June or until further modified.
Harpoon Season daily limit halved
For the remainder of the 2025 Harpoon category fishing season, through November 15, 2025, Harpoon category permitted vessels may retain up to 5 large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna per day instead of the previous limit of 10. The incidental catch limit of two large medium bluefin tuna per vessel per day/trip remains unchanged. This Harpoon limit is effective through the 2025 season end on November 15, 2025, or until further modified.
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