Atlantic bluefin tuna retention limit for recreational fishermen will revert to the default limit of one school, large school, or small medium bluefin tuna (27 to <73>
This limit will take effect January 1, 2025, and extend through December 31, 2025, unless modified by later action.
NOAA Fisheries says these routine retention limit adjustments are intended to prevent overfishing while prior-year catch information is being finalized.
Current Highly Migratory Species bag limit information can be found here.
The recreational “trophy” bluefin tuna fishery will also re-open in all sub-quota regions on January 1, 2025.
Highly Migratory Species Angling and Charter/Headboat permitted vessels when fishing recreationally are allowed one trophy bluefin tuna measuring 73” curved fork length or greater per vessel per year provided “trophy” category sub-quota in the respective region is available at the time of harvest.
Who is affected?
The changes apply to Highly Migratory Species Angling and 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. Incidental retention of a recreational trophy bluefin tuna is permitted in the Gulf of Mexico.
Catch reporting
Highly Migratory Species Angling and 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 Highly Migratory Species Permit Shop.
- Using the Highly Migratory Species Catch Reporting app.
- Using other apps approved by NOAA Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species reporting.
- Calling 888-872-8862 (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.).
- Highly Migratory Species permit holders in Maryland and North Carolina must report via their state catch card programs.
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