Anglers Get New Bluefin Tuna Bag Limits Starting June
Published Date: 5/29/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting June 1, 2026, anglers fishing for Atlantic bluefin tuna can keep more fish per trip! Private boats can keep 2 tuna, charter boats 3, and headboats 6, with some size limits and only one bigger tuna allowed. These new rules last until the end of 2026 and help balance fun fishing with protecting tuna populations.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Private Anglers Can Keep Two Tuna
Starting June 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026, private vessels with HMS Angling permits may keep up to two Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) per vessel per day/trip measuring 27 inches (68.5 cm) to less than 73 inches (185 cm) curved fork length (CFL), but only one of those two may be a large school/small medium fish (47 inches (119 cm) to less than 73 inches (185 cm) CFL). This limit applies in all areas except the Gulf of America, where targeted fishing for BFT is prohibited.
Charter Boats May Retain Three Tuna
From June 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026, charter boat vessels with HMS Charter/Headboat permits fishing recreationally for BFT may retain up to three BFT per vessel per day/trip measuring 27 inches (68.5 cm) to less than 73 inches (185 cm) CFL, only one of which can be a large school/small medium fish (47 inches (119 cm) to less than 73 inches (185 cm) CFL). The limit applies in all areas except the Gulf of America.
Headboats Allowed Six Tuna Per Trip
Effective June 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026, headboat vessels with HMS Charter/Headboat permits fishing recreationally for BFT may retain up to six BFT per vessel per day/trip measuring 27 inches (68.5 cm) to less than 73 inches (185 cm) CFL, with only one allowed to be a large school/small medium fish (47 inches (119 cm) to less than 73 inches (185 cm) CFL).
24-Hour Catch Reporting Requirement
Owners of HMS Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels must report all BFT retained or discarded dead within 24 hours of the landing(s) or the end of each trip by using https://hmspermits.noaa.gov, the HMS Catch Reporting app, or by calling (888) 872-8862. This reporting requirement continues while these retention limits are in effect.
Rules May Be Changed or Fishery Closed In-Season
NMFS may modify these retention limits or close the Angling category fishery later in 2026 if monitoring shows quota concerns or changing catch rates; any changes will be published in the Federal Register. The current adjustment runs June 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026 unless further adjusted earlier.
Gulf of America Exception Remains In Place
These adjusted retention limits are effective in all areas except the Gulf of America, where targeted fishing for Atlantic bluefin tuna is prohibited; anglers in the Gulf of America are not eligible to retain BFT under these limits.
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