NOAA Moves Bluefin Tuna Quota to Harpoon Boats
Published Date: 7/16/2026
Rule
Summary
NOAA is moving 6.4 metric tons of Atlantic bluefin tuna quota from the Reserve to the Harpoon fishing category, giving Harpoon fishermen more chances to catch tuna. This change affects commercial Harpoon-permitted vessels and lasts from July 14 to November 15, 2026, or until the new quota is met. It’s a smart move to help fishermen make the most of their season without changing overall limits.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Harpoon Fishermen Get More Tuna Opportunity
NOAA moved 6.4 metric tons of Atlantic bluefin tuna quota from the Reserve to the Harpoon category, increasing the Harpoon quota from 59.2 mt to 65.6 mt. The change is effective July 14, 2026, and the Harpoon fishery will remain open through November 15, 2026, or until the adjusted 65.6 mt is caught.
Dealer and Harpoon Vessel 24-Hour Reporting Requirement
Dealers must submit bluefin tuna landing reports within 24 hours of receiving fish, and Harpoon category vessel owners must report all retained or dead-discarded BFT within 24 hours of landing or trip end using the NMFS portal, HMS Catch Reporting app, or by phone. Late reporting can compromise quota tracking and may result in enforcement actions.
Reserve Quota Reduced but Left for Research
The Reserve category quota is reduced by 6.4 mt from 7.4 mt to 1 mt after the transfer, and NOAA states the 1 mt remaining is sufficient for anticipated exempted fishing and permitted research needs. This adjustment does not change the overall U.S. ICCAT-allocated BFT quota.
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