NOAA Shuts Down Trophy Bluefin Tuna Fishing in New England
Published Date: 7/6/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting July 3, 2026, the Southern New England 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, with no direct costs but a pause on trophy fishing fun.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Southern New England Trophy BFT Closure
Starting at 11:30 p.m. local time on July 3, 2026, you may not retain, possess, or land large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna (trophy fish measuring 73 inches / 185 cm curved fork length or greater) in the Southern New England trophy area. This closure applies through December 31, 2026, to vessels with HMS Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permits when fishing recreationally because the Southern New England trophy subquota of 2.3 metric tons has been reached and exceeded.
Catch-and-Release Still Allowed
During the closure you may continue to catch and release or tag and release Atlantic bluefin tuna of all sizes, but you must follow the catch-and-release and tag-and-release program rules and handle released fish to maximize survival (for example, do not remove the fish from the water).
24-Hour BFT Catch Reporting Requirement
Owners of HMS Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels must report the catch of all Atlantic bluefin tuna that are retained or discarded dead within 24 hours of the landing(s) or end of each trip, via https://hmspermits.noaa.gov, the HMS Catch Reporting app, or by calling (888) 872-8862.
Gulf of Maine Trophy Fishery Remains Open
The Angling category trophy Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery for the Gulf of Maine area remains open; the closure in this rule applies only to the Southern New England trophy area.
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