Bluefin Tuna General Category (Commercial) Fishery Closure
Summary
Bluefin Tuna General Category (Commercial) Fishery Closure
FISHERY: General Category Bluefin Tuna
CLOSED: October 24, 11:30 pm – November 30, 2022
REASON FOR CLOSURE: Quota is projected to be reached
PERMITS AFFECTED: Atlantic Tunas General category permitted vessels and HMS
Charter/Headboat permitted vessels with a commercial sale endorsement when fishing
commercially for bluefin tuna.
RECREATIONAL: Not affected by this closure.
Commercial fishermen aboard vessels with an Atlantic Tunas General category or Atlantic HMS Charter/Headboat permit may not retain, possess, or land large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna from 11:30 p.m. October 24, through November 30, 2022. Previously designated restricted-fishing days for the rest of the October through November time period will be waived when this closure takes effect.
Why is the fishery closing?
Based on the best available landings information, the adjusted 177.9-mt quota for the October through November time period is projected to be reached shortly.
Reporting
Atlantic Tunas General, Harpoon, 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.).