Tuna Catch-and-Release Only: Quota Blues for December
Published Date: 12/8/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting December 5, 2025, at 11:30 p.m., the General category fishery for Atlantic bluefin tuna will close for the rest of December. This means commercial fishermen with the right permits can’t keep or sell big bluefin tuna until the fishery reopens on January 1, 2026. During the closure, they can only catch and release tuna, helping protect this valuable fish while still letting fishermen enjoy the sport.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
December commercial closure for bluefin
Starting at 11:30 p.m. local time on December 5, 2025, commercial 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 cm curved fork length or greater) for the rest of December 2025. The closure runs through December 31, 2025.
Possible quota cuts and 125% payback risk
NMFS states that because 2024 and 2025 adjusted quotas may have been exceeded, it may reduce category quotas for 2025 and that, under ICCAT requirements, the United States could be required to pay back 125 percent of the second year's (2025) overharvest in 2026. NMFS may take later actions to reduce quotas consistent with estimated overharvest.
Catch-and-release allowed during closure
During the December 5–31, 2025 closure, permitted General category and HMS Charter/Headboat vessels fishing commercially may continue to catch, tag, and release Atlantic bluefin tuna of all sizes, but must follow the catch-and-release and tag-and-release program rules.
Automatic reopening on January 1, 2026
The General category bluefin fishery will automatically reopen on January 1, 2026, for the January–March 2026 time period, restoring the ability of the affected permitted vessels to retain, possess, and land large medium and giant BFT once the new period opens.
24-hour dealer and vessel reporting rule
Dealers must submit landing reports within 24 hours of receiving Atlantic bluefin tuna, and General category and HMS Charter/Headboat vessel owners must report retained or dead-discarded BFT within 24 hours of landing or trip end using NMFS systems (https://hmspermits.noaa.gov/home, the HMS Catch Reporting app, or 888-872-8862). Late dealer reports can lead to enforcement actions.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14204, Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary; Delay of Effective Date
NOAA is giving everyone more time before the rule that bans grappling or anchoring on Lake Ontario shipwrecks kicks in. Instead of starting in July 2026, this rule is now delayed until September 2028 to let NOAA set up mooring buoys and work with divers and boaters. This means boaters and commercial vessels can keep anchoring safely while NOAA gets everything ready without rushing.
2026-14195, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are wiping away the official definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act starting September 14, 2026. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered plants and animals by shifting how “harm” is understood and enforced. It’s a big move that could change how projects and protections are handled, but no new costs or deadlines are added right now.
2026-07536, Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys in the Gulf of America
Starting April 20, 2026, NOAA is setting new rules for companies doing geophysical surveys in the Gulf of America to protect marine mammals. These rules let companies get permission to accidentally disturb marine mammals but require them to minimize harm and report what they find. This plan lasts five years and helps balance ocean research with saving sea life.
2026-05599, Deep Seabed Mining: Notice of Receipt of Applications for Deep Seabed Mining Exploration Licenses and Announcement of Public Comment Period and Virtual Public Hearings
NOAA got two applications from companies wanting to explore mining deep under the ocean floor. They’re holding virtual public meetings in April and want your thoughts by May 22, 2026. This affects anyone interested in ocean mining and how we protect our seas while exploring new resources.
2026-04256, Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Spatial Fisheries Management; Amendment 15 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan
Starting April 3, 2026, new rules change shark fishing zones and times in the Atlantic to better protect sharks and manage fishing risks. Fishermen using bottom and pelagic longline gear will see updated area boundaries and must pay for electronic monitoring if fishing in certain safer zones. These changes help keep shark populations healthy while supporting responsible fishing.
2026-20268, New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council is holding a public meeting on October 16, 2026, to discuss important fishery rules that affect fishermen and communities in New England’s waters. They’ll review advice from experts about protecting fish species and plan meetings for next year. This meeting could lead to new fishing rules that impact how and when people fish, helping keep the ocean healthy and fishing sustainable.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22196, Special Local Regulations; Marine Events Within the Southeast Coast Guard District
On December 13, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m., the Coast Guard will block off part of San Juan Harbor for the Christmas Boat Parade to keep everyone safe. Only parade boats or those with special permission can enter the area during this time. If you’re boating nearby, plan ahead to avoid delays and enjoy the festive fun from a safe distance!
Next: 2025-22217, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
If you fly or fix Airbus Helicopters Deutschland’s MBB-BK 117 C-2 or D-2 models, listen up! Starting January 12, 2026, you’ll need to check certain bearings for wear, report what you find, and fix any problems. This keeps the helicopters safe and stops worn parts from causing trouble, so plan for some inspections and possible repairs soon.