NOAA Closes Gulf Trophy Bluefin Tuna Recreational Fishery for 2026
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
NOAA closes the Gulf of America recreational fishery for large medium and giant Atlantic bluefin tuna, often called trophy fish, for the rest of 2026. The closure begins at 11:30 p.m. local time on May 21, 2026, and runs through December 31, 2026. The rule affects vessels with Highly Migratory Species Angling permits and Charter/Headboat permits when they are fishing recreationally. These vessels may not retain, possess, or land trophy Atlantic bluefin tuna from this fishery during the closure period.
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Key Changes
- Closes the Gulf of America trophy Atlantic bluefin tuna recreational fishery for the rest of 2026
- Applies from 11:30 p.m. local time on May 21, 2026, through December 31, 2026
- Bars affected recreational vessels from retaining, possessing, or landing trophy Atlantic bluefin tuna during the closure
Obligations
What this law requires
Vessels with HMS Angling permits must not retain, possess, or land large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna measuring 73 inches curved fork length or greater from the Angling category Gulf of America trophy fishery during the closure period.
Vessels with HMS Charter/Headboat permits, when fishing recreationally, must not retain, possess, or land large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna measuring 73 inches curved fork length or greater from the Angling category Gulf of America trophy fishery during the closure period.