Atlantic Bluefin Tuna General Category (Commercial) Fishery Closure

FISHERY: General Category Bluefin Tuna

CLOSED: October 9, 2023, 11:30 pm – November 30, 2023

REASON FOR CLOSURE:

Based on the best available landings information, the 117.4-mt adjusted October through November quota is projected to be reached and exceeded shortly.

PERMITS AFFECTED:

Atlantic Tunas General category permitted vessels and highly migratory species (HMS) Charter/Headboat permitted vessels with a commercial sale endorsement when fishing commercially for bluefin tuna.

Commercial fishermen aboard vessels with an Atlantic Tunas General category or HMS Charter/Headboat permit may not retain, possess, or land large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna from 11:30 p.m., October 9, 2023 through November 30, 2023. Previously-designated restricted-fishing days (RFDs) for the rest of the October through November time period will be waived when this closure takes effect.

RECREATIONAL: Not affected by this closure.

When is the fishery reopening?

The General category bluefin tuna fishery will reopen on December 1, 2023, with a retention limit of one fish per vessel per day/trip.

Reporting

Atlantic Tunas General and HMS Charter/Headboat category vessel owners are required to report all bluefin tuna retained or discarded dead within 24 hours of the landing(s) or 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.).