2026 Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Angling Category Fishery Retention Limits
- Details
- Published: Wednesday, 27 May 2026 15:58
- Written by NJSWF
- Hits: 391
Summary
NOAA Fisheries is adjusting the 2026 Atlantic bluefin tuna daily retention limits for recreational fishermen. The adjusted limits will take effect June 1, 2026, and extend through December 31, 2026, unless modified by later action. NOAA Fisheries may need to take additional action later in the year to further adjust the retention limits or close the fishery.
As of June 1, 2026, the retention limits will be:
Highly Migratory Species Vessel/Permit
|
Retention Limit per Vessel per Day/Trip(lengths in curved fork length) |
|---|---|
|
Private vessels with Highly Migratory Species Angling permits |
2 bluefin tuna measuring 27 to <73”, of which only 1 may be a large school/small medium bluefin tuna (47 to <73”) |
|
Charter boats with Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permits, when fishing recreationally |
3 bluefin tuna measuring 27 to <73”, of which only 1 may be a large school/small medium bluefin tuna (47 to <73”) |
|
Headboats with Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permits, when fishing recreationally |
6 bluefin tuna measuring 27 to <73”, of which only 1 may be a large school/small medium bluefin tuna (47 to <73”) |
Note: The retention limits per vessel per day/trip. Regardless of the duration of a fishing trip, no more than a single day’s retention limit may be possessed or retained at the end of the trip upon landing. For example, whether a private vessel (fishing under the Angling category retention limit) takes a 2-day trip or makes 2 trips in one day, the day/trip retention limit of 2 bluefin tuna, of which only 1 may be a large school/small medium, applies and may not be exceeded upon landing.
Who is affected?
The changes apply to Highly Migratory Species Angling and Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permitted vessels when fishing recreationally. The daily retention limits are effective for all areas except for the Gulf of America, where NOAA Fisheries does not allow targeted fishing for bluefin tuna.
Catch reporting
Highly Migratory Species Angling and Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permitted vessel owners are required to report the catch of all bluefin tuna retained or discarded dead within 24 hours of landing or the end of trip by:
- Accessing the Highly Migratory Species Permit Shop
- Using the Highly Migratory Species Catch Reporting app
- Calling 888-872-8862 (Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Starting this November, no owner or operator of a recreational vessel less than 26 feet, including rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards shall permit its operation between November 1st and May 1st, unless each person on board such vessel is wearing a securely fastened United States Coast Guard-approved wearable personal flotation device of an appropriate size while such vessel is underway. A person inside the cabin of a cabin vessel shall be exempt from this requirement.
