New vessel limits take effect June 1 and remain in place through the end of 2026 unless modified by federal managers.
NOAA Fisheries has announced new Atlantic bluefin tuna retention limits for recreational anglers and charter vessels fishing under Highly Migratory Species permits. The updated regulations took effect June 1, 2026, and are intended to help balance fishing opportunities with quota management and long-term conservation goals for the highly prized species.
The changes affect private vessels, charter boats, and headboats operating under federal Highly Migratory Species permits while fishing recreationally. NOAA officials noted that the retention limits will remain in effect through Dec. 31, 2026, unless additional action is taken to further adjust limits or close portions of the fishery later in the year.
The adjusted limits will take effect June 1, 2026, and extend through Dec. 31, 2026, unless modified by later action. NOAA Fisheries may need to take additional action later in the year to further adjust the retention limits or close the fishery.
Highly Migratory Species Vessel/Permit Type |
Retention Limit per Vessel per Day/Trip(lengths in curved fork length)
|
| Private vessels with
Highly Migratory Species Angling permits |
2 bluefin tuna measuring 27 to <73”, of which only 1 may be a large school/small medium bluefin tuna (47 to <73”) |
| Charter boats with
Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permits, when fishing recreationally |
3 bluefin tuna measuring 27 to <73”, of which only 1 may be a large school/small medium bluefin tuna (47 to <73”) |
| Headboats with
Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permits, when fishing recreationally |
6 bluefin tuna measuring 27 to <73”, of which only 1 may be a large school/small medium bluefin tuna (47 to <73”) |
The changes apply to vessels operating under Highly Migratory Species Angling permits and Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permits when fishing recreationally. The retention limits are effective in all Atlantic management areas except the Gulf of America, where targeted fishing for bluefin tuna isn’t permitted.
NOAA officials emphasized that the limits apply on a per-vessel, per-day or per-trip basis. Regardless of how long a trip lasts, anglers may not possess more than a single day’s retention limit upon returning to port. For example, a private vessel taking a multi-day trip may not land more than the two-fish vessel limit, even if fishing occurred over several days.
Owners of vessels holding Highly Migratory Species Angling or Charter/Headboat permits are also required to report all bluefin tuna retained, as well as any bluefin tuna discarded dead, within 24 hours of landing or the end of the trip. Reports can be submitted through the NOAA Highly Migratory Species Permit Shop, the Highly Migratory Species Catch Reporting App, or by calling 888-872-8862 during normal business hours.
According to NOAA Fisheries, retention limits are adjusted periodically throughout the year to ensure harvest levels remain within established quotas while providing recreational fishing opportunities throughout the Atlantic bluefin tuna season. For more information, please visit https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/retention-limit-adjustment-atlantic-bluefin-tuna-angling-category-fishery-2.
