2021 Bluefin Tuna Regulations

[Gerry Zagorski]

This from the NMFS

2021 Recreational Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Retention Limits
Effective May 2, 2021 through December 31, 2021, the BFT daily retention limits are the following.
- For HMS Angling-permitted vessels: 2 school BFT (27 to 47") + 1 large school/small medium BFT (47 to 73"); for charter boats with HMS - - ----
- Charter/Headboat category permits, when fishing recreationally: 3 school BFT + 1 large school/small medium BFT; and for head boats with HMS - --
- Charter/Headboat category permits, when fishing recreationally: 6 school BFT + 2 large school/small medium BFT.

These limits (which are per vessel per day/trip) are effective for all areas except the Gulf of Mexico. Regardless of the duration of a fishing trip (e.g., whether a vessel takes a two-day trip or makes two trips in one day), no more than a single day’s retention limit may be possessed, retained, or landed. Angling and Charter/Headboat vessels may also land one bluefin tuna measuring 73" or greater per vessel per year in the Gulf of Mexico, or north of 39°18’N (off Great Egg Inlet, NJ). The trophy bluefin fishery for the southern area is closed.

The recreational yellowfin tuna retention limit is 3/person/day or trip. The minimum size for yellowfin and bigeye tuna is 27" curved fork length. There are no recreational limits for bigeye, skipjack, or albacore tunas.

More info here https://hmspermits.noaa.gov/news#:~:...0to%20%3C73%22).