# 2026-19681: No more big bluefin tuna for General category fishers this month

2026-19681, Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; Closure of the General Category September Fishery for 2026, is a Federal Register rule from Commerce Department, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration published 2026-09-25, effective 2026-09-24; PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-10-02).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-19681
- As of: 2026-10-02
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-19681
- Title: Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; Closure of the General Category September Fishery for 2026
- Type: Rule
- Agencies: Commerce Department; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Citation: 91 FR 60902
- Published: 2026-09-25
- Effective: 2026-09-24
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: yes
- Regulation identifier numbers: none
- Last updated: 2026-10-02

## In one line

No more big bluefin tuna for General category fishers this month

## 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.

## Abstract

NMFS closes the General category fishery for Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) for the remainder of the September time period. The General category may only retain, possess, or land large medium and giant (i.e., measuring 73 inches (185 centimeters (cm) curved fork length (CFL) or greater) BFT when the fishery is open. This action also waives the previously scheduled restricted-fishing days (RFDs) for the remainder of the September time period. With the RFDs waived during the closure, fishermen aboard General category permitted vessels and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels may tag and release BFT of all sizes, subject to the requirements of the catch-and- release and tag-and-release programs. On October 1, 2026, the fishery will reopen automatically and previously scheduled RFDs for the October through November time period will resume.

## Effects PRIA read

- September General Category Closed Sept 24–30: cost, medium. 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.…
- Tag-and-Release Allowed During Closure: benefit, low. 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…
- Fishery Reopens Oct 1; RFDs Resume: mixed, medium. 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 bas…

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## Sources
- [2026-19681 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/25/2026-19681/atlantic-highly-migratory-species-atlantic-bluefin-tuna-fisheries-closure-of-the-general-category)
- [2026-19681 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-09-25/pdf/2026-19681.pdf)

## Related
- [Previous: 2026-19678, Sanctions Penalties Regulations](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-19678)
- [Next: 2026-19688, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business…](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-19688)
- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-19681 (as of 2026-10-02).