2021 Recreational Atlantic Bluefin Tunas Retention Limits
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2021 Recreational Atlantic Bluefin Tunas Retention Limits
Summary
NOAA Fisheries is adjusting Atlantic bluefin tuna daily retention limits for recreational fishermen. The adjusted limits go into effect on May 2, 2021, and extend through December 31, 2021, unless modified by later action.
What is changing?
The table below summarizes the changes to the bluefin tuna retention limits.
Vessel/Permit Type |
Default Retention Limit per
|
Adjusted Retention Limit per
|
| Private vessels with a Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling category permit |
1 school, large school, or small medium (27 to <73”) |
|
| Charter boats with an HMS Charter/Headboat permit fishing recreationally |
1 school, large school, or small medium |
|
| Headboats with an HMS Charter/Headboat permit fishing recreationally |
1 school, large school, or small medium |
|
Who is affected?
The changes apply to HMS Angling category permitted vessels and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels when fishing recreationally. The daily retention limits are effective for all areas except for the Gulf of Mexico, where NOAA Fisheries does not allow targeted fishing for bluefin tuna.Anglers may still catch and release or tag and release bluefin tuna of all sizes, subject to the requirements of HMS catch-and-release and tag-and-release programs. All released bluefin tuna must be handled in a manner that will maximize survivability and without removing the fish from the water.
Catch reporting
HMS Angling category and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessel owners are required to report the catch of all bluefin retained or discarded dead within 24 hours of landing or the end of each trip by:
- Accessing the HMS Permit Shop.
- Using the HMS Catch Reporting app.
- Calling 888-872-8862 (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.).
This notice is a courtesy to fishery participants to help keep you informed about the fishery. Official notice of Federal fishery actions is made through filing such notice with the Office of the Federal Register.
Permits
Vessels must have a valid HMS Angling or HMS Charterboat/Headboat permit to fish for Atlantic bluefin tuna. The permit covers everyone fishing on that vessel. Tournament vessels may instead fish for bluefin with an Atlantic Tunas General category permit.
Measurement
Measure curved fork length by following the curve of the fish's body from the tip of the jaw to fork of the tail.
