Tuna, Bluefin

The Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) daily retention limit applies to vessels permitted in the Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling category when fishing recreationally for bluefin tuna. Retention limits for HMS Angling category-permitted vessels are as follows:

Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT):

• < 27" curved fork length: bag limit = 0
• 27" to < 47" curved fork length: bag limit = 1 per vessel per day or trip
• 47" to <73" curved fork length: bag limit = 1 per vessel per day or trip
• > 73" curved fork length: bag limit = 1 per vessel per year provided the "trophy" category subquota in the respective region is available at the time of harvest (see below).

1. Gulf of Maine: open
2. Southern New England: open
3. Trophy South: closed
4. Gulf of America: closed

For additional regulations and bag limits, see the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Recreational Bag Limits webpage .

Bluefin tuna retention limits may change throughout the season. To confirm current limits, call 1-888-872-8862 or 1-978-281-9260.

Anglers must report all recreational bluefin tuna landings. Report all non-tournament recreational Atlantic bluefin tuna landings to NMFS within 24 hours by calling 1-888-872-8862 or hmspermits.noaa.gov.

You must report recreational landings of bluefin tuna in North Carolina by calling 1-800-338-7804.

You must report recreational landings of bluefin tuna in Maryland by calling 1-410-213-1531.

Fishing for highly migratory species recreationally requires an HMS Angling or Charter/Headboat vessel permit from NOAA Fisheries. Permits are available by calling 1-888-872-8862, or by visiting hmspermits.noaa.gov. No sale permitted for HMS species caught under an HMS Angling Permit.

For complete HMS regulations contact NOAA Fisheries HMS Management Division at 1-301-427-8503 or visit www.fisheries.noaa.gov