NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION ISSUES RULE: ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES; ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA FISHERIES; CLOSURE OF THE ANGLING CATEGORY GULF OF MAINE AREA TROPHY FISHERY FOR 2026

WASHINGTON, Aug. 5 -- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a rule called: Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; Closure of the Angling Category Gulf of Maine Area Trophy Fishery for 2026.

The rule was published in the Federal Register on Aug. 5 by Shannon Bettridge, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.

Summary: NMFS closes the Angling category Gulf of Maine area fishery for large medium and giant ("trophy" ( i.e, measuring 73 inches (185 centimeters (cm)) curved fork length or greater)) Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT). This action applies to Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels when fishing recreatio...