Federal Register #Docket No. 220919-0193

Regulatory Closure of Harpoon Category Bluefin Tuna Fishery for 2026

This notice from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of NOAA under the Department of Commerce, announces a regulatory closure rather than a procurement opportunity. - Government Buyer: - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce - No OEMs or vendors are involved, as this is not a procurement action - No products or services are being requested - Regulatory action: - Temporary closure of the Harpoon category fishery for large medium and giant Atlantic bluefin tuna (73 inches or greater) - Applies to vessels permitted under the Atlantic Tunas Harpoon category - Prohibits retaining, possessing, or landing bluefin tuna in this category for the remainder of the 2026 fishing year - Closure is due to the quota being reached and exceeded - Ensures compliance with quota regulations and supports sustainable fisheries management - No purchase quantities, part numbers, or unique procurement requirements are present

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is closing the Harpoon category fishery for large medium and giant Atlantic bluefin tuna (measuring 73 inches or greater) for the remainder of the 2026 fishing year. This closure applies to vessels permitted under the Atlantic Tunas Harpoon category. The closure is effective from 11:30 p.m. local time on July 17, 2026, through December 31, 2026. The action is taken because the Harpoon category quota has been reached and exceeded, and retaining, possessing, or landing bluefin tuna in this category is prohibited during the closure period.

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