NOAA Fisheries announces the closure of the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna General Category Fishery. Fishermen aboard vessels with an Atlantic tunas General or Atlantic HMS Charter/Headboat permit may not retain, possess, or land large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna after 11:30 p.m. September 27, 2020, and through September 30, 2020.
How long will the closure be in effect?
The General category bluefin tuna fishery will reopen on October 1, 2020, with the default daily retention limit of one fish per vessel.
Why is this change being made?
Based on the best available landings information, the adjusted 195.6-mt quota for the September time period will be reached shortly.
Who is affected?
This action applies to all vessels permitted in the Atlantic Tunas General category and Atlantic HMS Charter/Headboat category (with a commercial sale endorsement when fishing commercially for bluefin tuna).
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.)
For more information, see the notice in the Federal Register.
