NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION ISSUES RULE: ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES; ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA FISHERIES; CLOSURE OF THE GENERAL CATEGORY SEPTEMBER FISHERY FOR 2026

WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 -- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a rule called: Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; Closure of the General Category September Fishery for 2026.

The rule was published in the Federal Register on Sept. 25 by Shannon Bettridge, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.

Summary: NMFS closes the General category fishery for Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) for the remainder of the September time period. The General category may only retain, possess, or land large medium and giant ( i.e, measuring 73 inches (185 centimeters (cm) curved fork length (CFL) or greater) BFT when the fishery is open. This action also waives the prev...