Southern New England Bans Trophy Tuna Hunts for 2025
Published Date: 5/21/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting in 2025, the big-game anglers and charter boats fishing for giant Atlantic bluefin tuna in southern New England will have to hang up their rods early because the trophy fishery is closing. This means no catching those huge 73-inch-plus bluefin in that area, helping protect these awesome fish for the future. If you’re a recreational fisherman or run a charter boat there, plan ahead and adjust your 2025 fishing plans!
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Southern New England Trophy Fishery Closed
If you fish recreationally or run a charter/headboat, you cannot target or keep Atlantic bluefin tuna that measure 73 inches (185 cm) curved fork length or greater in the southern New England trophy area. The closed area is defined as south of 42° N latitude and north of 39°18' N latitude, and this closure applies to HMS Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels when fishing recreationally starting in 2025.
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