Tuna chasers are certainly aware that NOAA closed the ‘general category’ for large-medium and giant bluefin on August 10. This meant that any bluefin measuring 73 inches or greater was off limits for most of the month of August. The reasoning behind this move was that the subquota set aside for June through August (293.9 mt) had been met. The fishery reopens on September 1 with a new subquota for September through November. Remember that to harvest bluefin tuna of any size your vessel must be associated with a HMS Permit from NOAA. Please visit www.hmspermits.noaa.gov for more information or to purchase an HMS Permit.
NOAA Fisheries encourages operators of vessels authorized to sell bluefin tuna to contact their local Atlantic tuna dealers before departing on a trip, to determine if dealers are willing to purchase bluefin. Some dealers may not accept or buy bluefin given uncertainty regarding current market conditions. All commercially-caught bluefin tuna must be tagged and reported, regardless of whether or not they are sold. You must also submit a catch report using the NOAA mobile app or website.
