Harpoon Tuna Fishermen Face Halved Daily Catch Limit
Published Date: 6/1/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting June 1, 2026, fishermen using harpoons to catch Atlantic bluefin tuna can only keep up to 5 big tuna per day instead of 10. This rule helps protect tuna populations and lasts until November 15, 2026, unless changed earlier. It affects all vessels with Harpoon category permits and aims to balance fishing fun with smart conservation.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Harpoon Daily Limit Cut to 5 Tuna
Starting June 1, 2026, Harpoon-category permitted vessels may keep no more than 5 large medium and giant Atlantic bluefin tuna (measuring 73 inches/185 cm CFL or greater) per vessel per day/trip, down from the default of 10. This rule stays in effect through November 15, 2026, or until NMFS announces another change.
Incidental Limit Remains Two Fish
The incidental daily catch limit stays at no more than 2 large medium bluefin tuna (73 inches/185 cm to less than 81 inches/206 cm CFL) per vessel per day/trip. That means if you keep two large medium BFT on a day/trip, you may keep up to three giant BFT that same day/trip under the new combined 5-fish limit.
Geographic Exception: Gulf of America
The 5-fish Harpoon retention limit applies in all areas except the Gulf of America, where targeted fishing for bluefin tuna is prohibited. Vessels with Harpoon permits outside the Gulf of America are subject to the new limit from June 1 through November 15, 2026.
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