Fishery: Angling category – All sizes, all areas
CLOSED August 12, 2025, 11:30 p.m. local time – December 31, 2025
During a closure, recreational fishermen may continue to catch-and-release, or tag and release, bluefin tuna of all sizes, subject to the requirements of the catch-and-release and tag-and-release programs. Additionally, recreational fishermen may continue to recreationally harvest other highly migratory species, including other tunas, during this closure.
REASON FOR CLOSURE
Based on the best available landings information, the Angling category bluefin tuna preliminary adjusted quota, including the Gulf of Maine Trophy quota, has been reached.
PERMITS AFFECTED
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels fishing recreationally for bluefin tuna.
Recreational fishermen aboard vessels with an HMS Angling or HMS Charter/Headboat permit, while fishing recreationally, may not retain, possess, or land any Atlantic bluefin tuna, including school, large school, small medium, large medium or giant-sized Atlantic bluefin tuna, from 11:30 p.m., August 12, 2025, through December 31, 2025.
Commercial fishery is not affected by this closure.
Visit NOAA Fisheries’ Rules & Regulations directory to learn more about recent federal management actions affecting Atlantic highly migratory species.
