The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is adjusting the Atlantic bluefin tuna daily retention limits that apply to vessels permitted in the Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling category and the HMS Charter/Headboat category (when fishing recreationally) effective April 23, 2016, through December 31, 2016.
For the angling category for private vessels, the limit on bluefin has been raised to two school bluefin per vessel in the 27- to less than 47-inch range, and one large school/small medium bluefin from 47 to 73 inches. For those in the charter/headboat category, the limit per vessel has been raised to three school bluefin in the 27- to less than 47-inch range, and one large school/ small medium bluefin from 47 to 73 inches.
In deciding these retention limits, NMFS considered the regulatory determination criteria regarding in-season adjustments, which include available quota, fishery performance in recent years, availability of bluefin on the fishing grounds, and the effects of the adjustment on the stock and on accomplishing the objectives of the 2006 Consolidated HMS Fishery Management Plan and amendments. NMFS said these limits should provide opportunities to harvest available U.S. bluefin quota without exceeding it; prevent overharvest of the 2016 quotas; and collect a broad range of data for stock monitoring purposes.
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The new daily retention limits apply to vessels permitted in the recreational HMS Angling category and the HMS Charter/Headboat category while fishing recreationally. The daily retention limits are effective for all areas except for the Gulf of Mexico, which is designated as bluefin spawning grounds and where NMFS does not allow targeted fishing for bluefin. Regardless of the duration of a fishing trip, no more than a single day’s retention limit may be possessed, retained, or landed.
NMFS will continue to monitor the bluefin fisheries closely. General category, HMS Charter/ Headboat, Harpoon, and Angling category vessel owners are required to report the catch of all BFT retained or discarded dead, within 24 hours of the landing(s) or end of each trip, by accessing hmspermits.noaa.gov. Depending on fishing effort and catch rates, additional retention limit adjustments or fishery closures may be necessary to ensure available quota is not exceeded or to enhance scientific data collection from, and fishing opportunities in, all geographic areas.
NMFS regulations at 50 CFR 635.21(a)(1) require that all bluefin that are released be handled in a manner that will maximize survivability, and without removing the fish from the water. For additional information on safe handling, see the "Careful Catch and Release" brochure available at www.nmfs.noaa.gov website.
To purchase 2016 HMS permit, go to hmspermits.noaa.gov. For more information on HMS call 978-281-9260
