New Rules Let Anglers Keep More Bluefin Tuna This Season
Published Date: 6/16/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting now and through 2025, recreational anglers and charter boats fishing for Atlantic bluefin tuna have new daily catch limits. Private anglers can keep one tuna per trip between 27 and 73 inches, while charter boats can keep two, but only one can be a bigger fish. These rules help protect tuna and could change later this year if needed.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Charter/Headboat: Two Tuna, One Can Be Large
Charter boats and headboats with HMS Charter/Headboat permits may retain two Atlantic bluefin tuna per vessel per day/trip measuring 27 inches (68.5 cm) to less than 73 inches (185 cm) curved fork length, but only one fish may be a large school/small medium fish measuring 47 inches (119 cm) to less than 73 inches (185 cm) CFL. This rule is in effect for the remainder of 2025 or until modified.
Private Anglers: One Tuna Per Trip
If you fish recreationally with an HMS Angling permit, you may keep one Atlantic bluefin tuna per vessel per day/trip that measures 27 inches (68.5 cm) to less than 73 inches (185 cm) curved fork length. This limit applies for the remainder of 2025 or until changed.
Gulf of America: Targeted BFT Fishing Prohibited
The adjusted retention limits apply in all areas except the Gulf of America, where targeted fishing for Atlantic bluefin tuna is prohibited. If you fish in the Gulf of America, you cannot target BFT under these rules.
Limits Can Change or Fishery May Close
NMFS may take additional action later in 2025 to modify these retention limits or to close the recreational BFT fishery. Fishers and charter operators should expect possible further changes during 2025.
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