Bluefin Tuna Retention Limits--Updated Regulations for 2011

By Jim Field

NOAA has issued catch quotas for bluefin tuna going into 2011. I've reproduced the official news release below, but the two key point of learning are as follows:

1) For commercial fishermen, using the General or Charter/Headboat category licenses, from January 1 to January 31, 2011, the allowable limit is 2 large medium or giant tuna per vessel, per day trip. This is reduced from the current number of 3 through January 31, 2010.

2) For recreational fishermen, using the Angling category license, the current limit of 1 fish, measuring 27 to less than 73 inches, remains in effect.


Here's the notice:

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) adjusts the General category daily Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) retention limit to two large medium or giant BFT per vessel per day/trip effective January 1 through January 31, 2011. The default daily retention limit that otherwise would take effect for this category on January 1, 2011 is one BFT.

NMFS takes this action after consideration ofthe regulatory determination criteria at § 63S.27(a)(8) regarding inseason adjustments. Through December 31, 2010, the current retention limit of three large medium or giant BFT per vessel per day/trip remains in effect.

The General category daily retention limit applies to vessels permitted in the Atlantic tunas General category and the Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Charter/Head boat category while fishing commercially. This limit is effective for all areas except for the Gulf of Mexico, which is designated spawning grounds for BFT and where NMFS does not allow targeted BFT fishing.

Regardless of the duration of a fishing trip, the daily retention limit applies upon landing. For example, whether a vessel fishing under the General category limit takes a two-day trip or makes two trips in one day, the daily limit of two fish may not be exceeded upon landing.

NMFS reminds BFT anglers that the default Angling category retention limit of one school, large school, or small medium BFT (measuring 27 to less than 73 inches) will apply effective January 1,2011, and remain in effect, unless and until changed. The Angling category daily retention limit applies to vessels permitted in the HMS Angling category and the HMS Charter/Headboat category while fishing recreational.