Bluefin tuna are highly sought-after fish known for their size, speed, and culinary value. However, due to concerns over overfishing and population declines, strict regulations govern the catching of these magnificent creatures. In the United States, anglers and commercial fishermen must obtain specific permits to legally target bluefin tuna.
Recreational Fishing Permits
Recreational anglers fishing for Atlantic bluefin tuna must have a valid HMS (Highly Migratory Species) Angling permit or an HMS Charter/Headboat permit when fishing recreationally. These permits cover everyone fishing on the vessel and are required regardless of the size of the fish being targeted.
The HMS Angling permit allows anglers to retain a maximum of one bluefin tuna per day or trip, depending on the size of the fish. For bluefin tuna measuring 27 to less than 47 inches curved fork length, anglers can keep up to two fish per day or trip. For fish measuring 47 to less than 73 inches, only one fish per day or trip is allowed.
Anglers fishing on charter or headboat vessels with an HMS Charter/Headboat permit have slightly different bag limits. Charter boat anglers can keep up to three bluefin tuna per day or trip in the 27 to less than 47 inch size class, and one fish per day or trip in the 47 to less than 73 inch class. Headboat anglers have a higher limit of 12 fish per day or trip in the 27 to less than 47 inch class, and two fish per day or trip in the 47 to less than 73 inch class.
Recreational anglers must measure bluefin tuna using the curved fork length method, which involves following the curve of the fish’s body from the tip of the jaw to the fork of the tail.
Commercial Fishing Permits
Commercial fishermen targeting Atlantic bluefin tuna must obtain a General category permit, Harpoon category permit, or an HMS Charter/Headboat permit when fishing commercially. These permits are required for vessels fishing for bluefin, bigeye, yellowfin, albacore, or skipjack tunas using a combination of rod and reel, harpoon, and/or handlines.
The General category permit is valid in the Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Commercial catch limits and seasons vary based on the time of year and the size of the fish being targeted.
In the United Kingdom, a commercial trial fishery for bluefin tuna was launched in 2023. Commercial fishing licence holders who meet specific criteria, such as having a vessel under 15 meters in length and using rod and reel fishing gear, can apply to participate in the trial.
Reporting Requirements
In addition to obtaining the appropriate permits, anglers and commercial fishermen targeting Atlantic bluefin tuna must report their catches. Recreational anglers fishing with an HMS Angling or HMS Charter/Headboat permit are required to report their bluefin tuna catches, both retained and discarded.
Commercial fishermen in the General, Harpoon, and Charter/Headboat categories must also report their bluefin tuna catches. All catches must be recorded using paper or electronic logbooks at sea and reported to the UK Fisheries Monitoring Centre (UKFMC) or UK Single Liaison Office (UKSLO).
Vessels involved in the UK’s commercial trial fishery must register on the ICCAT Electronic Bluefin Tuna Catch Document Programme (eBCD) online system and report their catches on that system.
Conservation Efforts
The strict regulations and permit requirements for bluefin tuna fishing are in place to ensure the sustainability of these valuable fish. Overfishing has led to significant population declines, prompting international efforts to manage and conserve bluefin tuna stocks.
In Japan, the Fisheries Agency tightened regulations on leisure fishing in 2021, banning the fishing of bluefin tuna weighing less than 30 kilograms and making it compulsory for sport fishers to report catches of tuna weighing 30 kilograms or more.
The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) sets catch quotas and other management measures for Atlantic bluefin tuna. Countries like the United States and United Kingdom must adhere to these regulations and report their catches to ICCAT.
By obtaining the necessary permits, adhering to catch limits, and reporting their catches, anglers and commercial fishermen can help ensure the long-term sustainability of bluefin tuna populations. These measures are essential for preserving these magnificent fish for future generations to enjoy.