Federal Register #Docket No. 260813-0186

Temporary Closure of Atlantic Bluefin Tuna General Category Fishery for September

This regulatory action from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of NOAA under the Department of Commerce, announces a temporary closure of the Atlantic bluefin tuna General category fishery for the remainder of September. - Government buyer: - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - Department of Commerce - No OEMs or vendors are involved; this is not a procurement opportunity. - No products or services are requested; no part numbers or quantities provided. - Key requirements and details: - Closure applies to the General category fishery for Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT). - Only catch-and-release and tag-and-release activities for BFT of all sizes are permitted during the closure, subject to program requirements. - Previously scheduled restricted-fishing days (RFDs) for September are waived. - Fishery will automatically reopen on October 1, with RFDs resuming for October and November. - Action is based on quota management to prevent overharvesting.

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is closing the General category fishery for Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) for the remainder of the September 2026 time period. During this closure, only large medium and giant BFT (measuring 73 inches or greater) may be retained, possessed, or landed when the fishery is open. The action also waives previously scheduled restricted-fishing days (RFDs) for the remainder of September, allowing fishermen to tag and release BFT of all sizes under catch-and-release programs. The fishery will automatically reopen on October 1, 2026, with RFDs resuming for October through November.

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