No more big bluefin tuna for General category fishers this month
Published Date: 9/25/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting September 24, 2026, the Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery for General category fishermen will close for the rest of September. Fishermen can’t keep big tuna during this time but can tag and release fish of any size. The fishery reopens October 1, and normal fishing rules return, helping protect tuna while keeping the fun going for anglers.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
September General Category Closed Sept 24–30
If you fish commercially under the Atlantic Tunas General category (or on an HMS Charter/Headboat vessel with a commercial sale endorsement), you may not retain, possess, or land large medium and giant Atlantic bluefin tuna measuring 73 inches (185 cm) curved fork length or greater from 11:30 p.m. local time on September 24, 2026 through September 30, 2026. This closure applies to the September subquota time period for the General category.
Fishery Reopens Oct 1; RFDs Resume
The General category fishery will automatically reopen on October 1, 2026 for the October–November time period, and previously scheduled restricted-fishing days (every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday) will resume on October 1, 2026. NMFS may publish additional inseason adjustments after reopening based on catch rates and quota monitoring.
Tag-and-Release Allowed During Closure
During the September closure (September 24–30, 2026), previously scheduled restricted-fishing days are waived and fishermen aboard General category and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels may tag and release Atlantic bluefin tuna of all sizes, subject to the catch-and-release and tag-and-release program requirements. All released fish must be handled to maximize survival and must not be removed from the water.
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Key Dates
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