Federal Register #2026-21080

NOAA fisheries rules adjust bluefin tuna quota and restrict Pacific Ocean perch retention

This NOAA fisheries notice changes Atlantic bluefin tuna quota allocations and limits Pacific Ocean perch retention in part of the Gulf of Alaska. - Government buyer: U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). - Atlantic bluefin tuna quota transfer: Moves 15 metric tons from the Reserve category to the Angling category large school/small medium subquota. The adjusted subquota is 188.4 metric tons, the Reserve quota is 27 metric tons, and the overall Angling category quota is 356.3 metric tons. It applies to HMS Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels fishing recreationally for bluefin tuna. - Pacific Ocean perch restriction: Prohibits most vessels from retaining incidental catch in the Central Gulf of Alaska Regulatory Area. Exceptions cover qualifying Rockfish Program vessels with a rockfish cooperative quota permit, certain catcher vessels using hook-and-line, pot, or jig gear, and certain trawl catcher vessels participating in electronic monitoring. The incidental catch allowance total allowable catch is 2,800 metric tons. - OEMs and vendors: None identified. No products or commercial services are being procured.

Description

NMFS is transferring 15 metric tons of Atlantic bluefin tuna quota from the Reserve category to the Angling category large school/small medium subquota. The transfer adjusts that Angling subquota to 188.4 metric tons and the Reserve category quota to 27 metric tons. It provides additional harvest opportunities for Angling category fishermen and applies to HMS Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels fishing recreationally for bluefin tuna. The transfer is effective October 13 through December 31, 2026.

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