Federal Register #2026-10891

NMFS Reduces Harpoon Category Retention Limit for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

This notice from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of NOAA under the Department of Commerce, announces a regulatory adjustment for the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Harpoon category: - The daily retention limit for large medium and giant Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (BFT) is reduced from 10 to 5 per vessel per day/trip - Applies to BFT measuring 73 inches or greater curved fork length - The incidental catch limit remains at two large medium BFT per vessel per day/trip - Adjustment is effective for vessels permitted in the Atlantic Tunas Harpoon category for the remainder of the 2026 fishing season - No products, services, OEMs, or vendors are involved, as this is a regulatory action - The purpose is to ensure equitable fishing opportunities, support scientific data collection, and prevent exceeding the available quota

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is decreasing the Harpoon category daily retention limit for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (BFT) from 10 to 5 large medium and giant BFT combined per vessel per day/trip. The incidental catch limit of two large medium BFT per vessel per day/trip remains unchanged. This retention limit applies to Atlantic Tunas Harpoon category permitted vessels from June 1 through November 15, 2026, or until further modified. The adjustment aims to provide equitable fishing opportunities, support scientific data collection, and prevent exceeding the available quota.

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