Atlantic Bluefin Tuna General Category Fishery Closes Through November 30
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By fisheries.noaa.gov., Published in fisheries.noaa.gov.
The commercial Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery has been temporarily suspended through the end of November, affecting fishing operations at harbors along the Eastern Seaboard from North Carolina to Maine. This closure represents another quota management action in what has proven to be a challenging year for the bluefin fishery, with multiple closures already implemented across different time periods in 2025.
According to NOAA Fisheries:
Commercial fishermen aboard vessels with an Atlantic Tunas General category or Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permit may not retain, possess, or land large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna from 11:30 p.m., October 7, 2025 through November 30, 2025. Previously designated restricted-fishing days for the rest of the October through November time period will be waived when this closure takes effect.
Based on the best available landings information, the General category October through November subquota is projected to be reached shortly.
The closure affects vessels with Atlantic Tunas General category permits and HMS Charter/Headboat permits with commercial sale endorsements when fishing commercially for bluefin tuna. Large medium and giant fish are defined as those measuring 73 inches curved fork length or greater.
With restricted-fishing days waived during the closure period, fishermen may still engage in tag-and-release activities for bluefin tuna of all sizes. The fishery will automatically reopen on December 1, 2025, for the final fishing period of the year.
