Gulf of Maine Trophy Bluefin Tuna Season Slammed Shut Early
Published Date: 8/5/2026
Rule
Summary
NMFS closes the Angling category Gulf of Maine area fishery for large medium and giant ("trophy" (i.e., measuring 73 inches (185 centimeters (cm)) curved fork length or greater)) Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT). This action applies to Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels when fishing recreationally.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
All Trophy Areas Closed for 2026
With the Gulf of Maine trophy subquota exceeded, the Angling category trophy bluefin tuna fishery is closed in all trophy areas for 2026. That means no retention of trophy BFT (73 inches / 185 cm or greater) is allowed anywhere under the Angling trophy subquotas for the rest of the 2026 fishing year.
Gulf of Maine Trophy Fishery Closed
You (if fishing recreationally aboard an HMS Angling or HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessel) may not retain, possess, or land large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna measuring 73 inches (185 cm) curved fork length or greater in the Gulf of Maine starting at 11:30 p.m. local time on August 4, 2026. This closure remains in effect through December 31, 2026 and is because the Gulf of Maine trophy subquota of 2.3 metric tons has been reached and exceeded.
Catch-and-Release Still Allowed
During the closure you may still catch and release or tag and release Atlantic bluefin tuna of all sizes when fishing recreationally from HMS Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels, but released fish must be handled to maximize survival and should not be removed from the water. These activities are subject to the catch-and-release and tag-and-release program requirements referenced in the rule.
24-Hour Catch Reporting Requirement
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 landing or trip end, by using https://hmspermits.noaa.gov, the HMS Catch Reporting app, or calling (888) 872-8862. This reporting requirement remains in force during the closure.
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