2023 Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Angling Category Retention Limit

NOAA Fisheries is adjusting Atlantic bluefin tuna daily retention limits for recreational fishermen. The adjusted limits go into effect on May 6, 2022, and extend through December 31, 2022, unless modified by later action.

No Change From 2022

Vessel/Permit Type	Default Retention Limit per Vessel per Day/Trip	Adjusted Retention Limit per Vessel per Day/Trip
Private vessels with a Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling category permit	1 school, large school, or small medium (27 to <73”)	2 school bluefin tuna (27 to <47”) 1 large school/small medium (47 to <73”)
Charter boats with an HMS Charter/Headboat permit fishing recreationally	1 school, large school, or small medium	3 school 1 large school/small medium
Headboats with an HMS Charter/Headboat permit fishing recreationally	1 school, large school, or small medium	6 school 2 large school/small medium

Who is affected?

The changes apply to HMS Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels when fishing recreationally. The daily retention limits are effective for all areas except for the Gulf of Mexico, where NOAA Fisheries does not allow targeted fishing for bluefin tuna.

Catch 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 landing or the end of each trip by:

• Visiting 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.).