More U.S.-Caught Pacific Bluefin Tuna to Hit U.S. Markets Next Year

By fisheries.noaa.gov.

Increased catch limits culminate a decade-long international effort to rebuild the once-imperiled species.

Commercial Pacific bluefin tuna vessels in the United States can harvest almost 80 percent more fish in 2025–2026. The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission increased catch limits during a meeting in Panama in early September. This decision comes 3 months after an International Scientific Committee for Tuna and Tuna-Like Species in the North Pacific Ocean stock assessment found the Pacific bluefin tuna stock to be rebuilt a decade ahead of schedule.

U.S. fishermen harvest Pacific bluefin tuna using hook-and-line, purse seine, and drift gillnet gear and land their catch mainly in Southern California ports. Additionally, increases in commercial catch limits will benefit recreational anglers who also catch Pacific bluefin off Southern California. The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission resolution that increased commercial catches also called for consistent management of sport fishing.

In 2022, U.S. commercial fishers harvested 368 metric tons, or more than 800,000 pounds, of Pacific bluefin tuna. They earned more than $2.2 million for the catch. The 2-year catch limit for 2025–26 is increasing almost 80 percent, to 1,822 metric tons from 1,017 in 2023–24. That means the U.S. fleet can bring more Pacific bluefin tuna to the docks and seafood markets. This would be a welcome change for captains, crew, and seafood distributors after more than a decade of belt-tightening in the fishery.

“We rebuilt the stock as a result of stringent management measures put in place on both sides of the Pacific, and the effort was not just thanks to scientists and fishery managers. We have to acknowledge the efforts the fishing industry has taken to ensure harvests remain sustainable,” said Ryan Wulff, Assistant Regional Administrator for the NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region and Alternate U.S. Commissioner to the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission.

read more at fisheries.noaa.gov.