US recreational Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery to close August 12

The US recreational fishery for Atlantic bluefin tuna in the Angling category will close for the remainder of the year, effective from 23:30 local time on August 12, 2025, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries has announced.

The agency stated the reason for the closure is that based on the best available landings information, the preliminary adjusted quota for the Angling category, including the Gulf of Maine Trophy quota, has now been reached.

During the closure, which runs through December 31, 2025, fishermen aboard vessels with an Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) angling or HMS charter/headboat permit may not retain, possess, or land any Atlantic bluefin tuna of any size. However, catch-and-release and tag-and-release fishing for bluefin tuna may continue, subject to the requirements of those programs.

NOAA Fisheries confirmed that the commercial bluefin tuna fishery is not affected by this closure. Recreational fishermen may also continue to harvest other highly migratory species, including other types of tuna, during this period.