Big Bluefin Ban: Tuna Fishery Shut Down Until December
Published Date: 10/9/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting October 7, 2025, the Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery for commercial General category fishermen will be closed through November 30. During this time, fishermen can’t keep or sell big bluefin tuna but can tag and release any size fish. The fishery will reopen automatically on December 1, giving fishermen a clear break and helping protect tuna populations.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
General Category Fishery Closed Oct–Nov 2025
Starting 11:30 p.m. local time on October 7, 2025, commercial General category Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing is closed through November 30, 2025. During this closure, Atlantic Tunas General category permitted vessels and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels with a commercial sale endorsement may not retain, possess, or land large medium and giant BFT measuring 73 inches (185 cm) curved fork length or greater. The fishery will automatically reopen on December 1, 2025.
Quotas and Possible 125% Payback Risk
The U.S. baseline BFT quota is 1,316.14 metric tons and the General category baseline quota is 710.7 mt; the October–November General subquota is 92.4 mt. NMFS states that if both 2024 and 2025 adjusted U.S. quotas are exceeded, the United States could be required to pay back 125 percent of the second year's (2025) overharvest in 2026, and NMFS may reduce category quotas consistent with estimated overharvest.
Tag-and-Release Allowed; RFDs Waived
While the fishery is closed (October 7 through November 30, 2025), fishermen aboard affected permitted vessels may tag and release bluefin tuna of all sizes, subject to the catch-and-release and tag-and-release program rules and safe-handling requirements. NMFS also waived the previously scheduled restricted-fishing days (RFDs) for the remainder of October through November, allowing tag-and-release activity during the closure.
24-Hour Dealer and Vessel Reporting Requirement
Dealers must submit landing reports within 24 hours of receiving bluefin tuna, and General category and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessel owners must report retained or discarded-dead BFT within 24 hours of landing or trip end using the specified portal, app, or phone number. NMFS warns that late reporting can compromise quota monitoring and may result in enforcement actions.
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Key Dates
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