A handful of huge bluefin tuna caught off the Texas Coast over the last few years has caused a stir.
Offshore anglers should take note of a recent bluefin closure in the Gulf (and Atlantic).
Fishermen aboard Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling or HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels may not retain, possess, or land large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna in the Gulf of Mexico (i.e. those measuring 73 inches curved fork length or greater).
The Angling category fishery for trophy bluefin tuna will run through December 31, 2022.
Why is the fishery closing?
Based on the best available landings information, the 1.8-mt Angling category Gulf of Mexico incidental “trophy” bluefin tuna (measuring 73 inches or greater) subquota has been reached and exceeded.
Who is affected?
This action could affect the following vessels when fishing in the Gulf of Mexico:
- HMS Angling permitted vessels;
- HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels fishing recreationally.
Note that the Angling category fishery for school, large school, or small-medium bluefin tuna (27 to 73”) remains open in all areas except for the Gulf of Mexico, which is designated as bluefin tuna spawning grounds and where NOAA Fisheries does not allow targeted fishing for bluefin tuna.
Reporting
HMS Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessel owners are required to report the catch of all bluefin retained or discarded dead within 24 hours of the landing(s) or end of each trip by:
- Accessing the HMS Permit Shop.
- Using the HMS Catch Reporting app.
- Calling 888-872-8862 (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.)