North Atlantic Traders

Reported landings as of December 6, 2022, indicate the General category has landed 23.2 mt of the 50.1-mt December subquota.

General category October-November 2022 bluefin tuna fishery closes October 24, 2022 at 11:30 PM

General Category closes August 10, 2022 at 11:30 p.m.

Last Updated: May 25, 2022

June-August General category period opens June 1; starting at 3 fish

The Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) General category (commercial handgear) daily retention limit is 3 large medium or giant BFT (measuring 73" or greater) per vessel per day/trip, effective June 1st through August 31st or until changed, as appropriate, following close monitoring of catch rates. The General category daily retention limit applies to General category permitted vessels and to HMS Charter/Headboat category permitted vessels with a commercial sale endorsement when fishing commercially for BFT. It is effective for all areas except for the Gulf of Mexico, which is designated as BFT spawning grounds and where NMFS does not allow targeted fishing for BFT. Regardless of the duration of a fishing trip, the daily retention limit applies upon landing. For example, whether a vessel fishing under the General category limit takes a two-day trip or makes two trips in one day, the daily limit of three fish may not be exceeded upon landing.