NOAA Cuts Daily Harpoon Bluefin Tuna Retention Limit
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This rule lowers the daily catch retention limit for vessels with Atlantic Tunas Harpoon category permits. From June 1 through November 15, 2026, these vessels may keep no more than five large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna per day or trip, down from the default limit of ten. The change affects commercial harpoon fishers targeting Atlantic bluefin tuna. Operators should adjust trip planning, sales expectations, and onboard compliance procedures to match the lower limit. The separate incidental catch limit of two large medium bluefin tuna per vessel per day or trip stays the same.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Daily Harpoon category retention limit drops from 10 to 5 large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna
- New limit applies from June 1 through November 15, 2026, unless NOAA changes it again
- Incidental catch limit remains two large medium bluefin tuna per vessel per day or trip
Obligations
What this law requires
Vessels with Atlantic Tunas Harpoon category permits may retain no more than a combined total of 5 large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna per vessel per day or trip during the adjusted 2026 Harpoon category fishing season.
Vessels subject to the Harpoon category limit must continue to observe the separate incidental catch limit of no more than 2 large medium Atlantic bluefin tuna per vessel per day or trip.