NOAA announces recreational Bluefin Tuna closure for remainder of 2025
by American Sportfishing Association 12 Aug 07:06 AEST
Atlantic bluefin tuna © NOAA Fisheries
Beginning tomorrow, August 12 at 11:30 PM, recreational harvest for bluefin tuna in the Atlantic ocean will be closed for all Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels. This announcement follows an earlier adjustment to the Atlantic bluefin tuna daily retention limits from June 3, then revised again on July 1.
ASA is disappointed in NOAA's revised 2025 closure for the bluefin tuna Angling category because of its associated negative economic impacts. This closure threatens revenue, jobs, and fishing opportunities for the sportfishing industry - affecting anglers, charter operators, and coastal businesses. To ensure accuracy, ASA calls for a transparent and thorough review of the 2024 LPS estimates through a formal process involving stakeholders and the Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel.
Additionally, the apparent increase in western bluefin tuna availability, as suggested by the 2024 Large Pelagic Survey estimates, must also serve as a catalyst for the United States to pursue an increased quota at the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). As the bluefin tuna stock rebuilds, securing additional access is reasonable and necessary to reflect improved stock health and to maximize the fishery's value to America's sportfishing economy.
ASA remains committed to working with NOAA, ICCAT, and the Trump Administration to develop solutions that accurately reflect the current state of the Atlantic bluefin tuna population and restore fishing access for recreational anglers and the sportfishing industry.