Inseason Adjustment
NOAA has announced big changes in daily retention limits for bluefin tuna in the Atlantic Ocean. These changes increase retention for those operating with an HMS Angling permit or an HMS Charter/Headboat permit when fishing recreationally in the Atlantic. Anglers may still catch/tag and release bluefin tuna of all sizes. Please note that these changes do not apply to the Gulf of Mexico, in which targeted fishing for bluefin tuna is prohibited.
The adjusted limits go into effect on May 2, 2020, and extend through December 31, 2020, unless modified by a later action.
| Type | Previous Retention Limit per Vessel per Day/Trip | Current Retention Limit per Vessel per Day/Trip |
| Private vessels with an HMS Angling permit | 1 school, large school, or small medium (27 to <73”) |
|
| Charter boats with an HMS Charter/Headboat permit fishing recreationally | 1 school, large school, or small medium |
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| Headboats with an HMS Charter/Headboat permit fishing recreationally | 1 school, large school, or small medium |
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Catch reporting
Angling category and HMS 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 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.).
