Tuna Of The Atlantic

Bluefin Tuna
THUNNUS THYNNUS
Maximum: over 118 inches
Common: 16 to 79 inches
Current IGFA all tackle record 1,496 pounds.
One large medium or giant per vessel, per year
27" curved fork length minimum
Check NMFS Website for School, Large School, Small Medium Size Limits

Yellowfin Tuna
Thunnus albacares
Maximum: 75 inches
Common: 16 to 67 inches
Current IGFA all tackle record 388 pounds 12 ounces.
3 per person, per trip
27" curved fork length minimum

Bigeye Tuna
27" curved fork length minimum
No Limit

Blackfin Tuna
Thunnus alanticus
Maximum: 40 inches
Common: 28 inches
Current IGFA all tackle record 42 pounds 8 ounces

Albacore Tuna
Thunnus alalunga
Maximum: 50 inches
Common: 16-43 inches
Current IGFA all tackle record 88 pounds 2 ounces
No Minimum size - No Limit

Common Bonito
Sarda sarda
Maximum; 36 inches
Common: 25 inches
Current IGFA all tackle record 18 pounds 4 ounces

Skipjack Tuna
Katsuwonus pelamis
Maximum: 40 inches
Common: 16 to 28 inches
Current IGFA all tackle record 41 pounds 14 ounces
No Minimum size - No Limit

Little Tunny
(False Albacore or Atlantic Bonito)
Euthynnus alletteratus
Maximum: 40 inches
Common: 25 inches
Current IGFA all tackle record 35 pounds 2 ounces

Common Bonito    Little Tunny,  False Albacore

All private vessel owners/operators recreationally fishing for and/or retaining regulated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (Atlantic tunas, sharks, swordfish and billfish) for personal use in the Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, must obtain an Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling permit. This permit has replaced the Atlantic Tunas Angling permit, and incorporates those vessels targeting other regulated HMS. Similar to Atlantic Tunas permits, 2003 Atlantic HMS Angling permits cost $22.00 and will be valid from the date of issuance through May 31, 2004.

INFORMATION AND CONTACTS

The information in this guide was compiled by the Highly Migratory Species Management Division (HMS) of the National Marine Fisheries Service. Fishers are responsible for complying with current official regulations and since fishery rules are subject to change, fishers must familiarize themselves with the latest regulations. In order to help keep the public informed, HMS maintains an information line for news and catch reports concerning Atlantic tunas. The HMS information line, which is updated daily, announces closure notices, scooping and public hearing locations and times, in season quota adjustments, and updaters of landings of Atlantic Bluefin tuna. Callers may reach the 24 hour information line by dialing (508) 281-9305, (301) 713-1279, or toll free at (888) USA-TUNA.

For further information concerning the Atlantic tuna fisheries or the Cooperative Gamefish Tagging Program, or for complete copies of current regulations, contact:

Rebecca Lent, Division Chief
Chris Rogers, Fisheries Management Specialist
Highly Migratory Species Management Division Office of Sustainable Fisheries
Silver Springs, MD 20910 Mark Murray-Brown,
Fisheries Mgmt. Specialist (301) 713-2347

Highly Migratory Species Management Division Office of Sustainable Fisheries
Gloucester, A 01930 (508) 281-9208

Cooperative Gamefish Tagging Program
(800) 437-3936

24 Hour HMS Information Line:
(508) 281-9305
(301) 713-1279
(888) USA-TUNA

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Tuna's Of The Atlantic

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