Gulf of America Trophy Tuna Season Shut Down Early
Published Date: 5/22/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting May 21, 2026, the Gulf of America trophy fishery for big Atlantic bluefin tuna is closed for the rest of the year. This affects recreational anglers and charter boats with special permits, stopping them from catching or keeping these giant tunas. The closure helps protect the tuna population and follows international fishing rules.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Gulf of America Trophy Fishery Closed
If you fish recreationally from an HMS Angling or HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessel in the Gulf of America, you may not retain, possess, or land any Atlantic bluefin tuna that measure 73 inches (185 cm) curved fork length or greater starting at 11:30 p.m. local time on May 21, 2026 through December 31, 2026. This closure applies because the Angling category Gulf of America trophy subquota was reached and exceeded.
Proposed Quota Increase Under Review
NOAA is proposing a rule to implement ICCAT Recommendation 25-05 that would increase the baseline U.S. bluefin tuna quota from 1,316.14 metric tons to 1,509.98 mt and raise the Angling baseline quota from 297.4 mt to 341.3 mt (with the Angling trophy allocation rising from 9.2 mt to 10.6 mt); the comment period on that proposed rule ends on June 8, 2026 and any final rule would likely be effective in mid-2026 or later.
Catch-and-Release Still Allowed
During the closure (11:30 p.m. local time on May 21, 2026 through December 31, 2026), anglers aboard HMS Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels may continue to catch and release or tag and release Atlantic bluefin tuna of all sizes, but must follow the catch-and-release and tag-and-release program rules at Sec. 635.26 and handle released fish to maximize survival (including not removing fish from the water).
Catch Reporting Required Within 24 Hours
Owners of HMS Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels must report the catch of all bluefin tuna retained or discarded dead within 24 hours of the landing(s) or end of each trip by using https://hmspermits.noaa.gov, the HMS Catch Reporting app, or calling (888) 872-8862 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.).
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Key Dates
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