The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) adjusts the General category daily Atlantic
bluefin tuna (BFT) retention limit to three large medium or giant BFT per vessel per day/trip
effective June 3 through August 31, 2011. The commercial General category fishery will reopen
on June 1. The default retention limit of.Q!!£ large mediiIm or giant BFT pe r vessel per day/trip
will apply June 1 and June 2. NMFS takes this action after consideration of the regulatory
determination criteria at § 635.27(a)(8) regarding inseason adjustments.
The General category daily retention limit applies to vessels permitted in the commercial
Atlantic tunas General category and the Highly Migratory Species (HMS) CharterlHeadboat
category while fishing commercially. These limits are effective for all areas except for the Gul f
of Mexico, which is designated as spawning grounds for BFT and where NMFS does not allow
targeted fishing. Regardless of the duration of a fishing trip, the daily retention limit applies
upon landing. For example, whether a v~ssel fishing under the General category limit takes a
two-day trip or makes two trips in one day, the daily limit of three fish may not be exceeded
upon landing.
NMFS regulations at 50 CFR 635.21(a)(1) require that all BFT that are released be handled in a
manner that will maximize survivability, and without removing the fish from the water. For
additional information on safe handling, s e e the Careful Catch and Release brochure available at
Highly Migratory Species. .
This notice is a courtesy to BFTfishery permit holders to help keep you informed about the
fishery. For additional info:r;mation, call (888) 872':'8862or (978) 281-9260, or go to .
www.hmspermits.gov. OffiCial notice of Federal fishery actions 'is made through filing such
notice with the Office of th ed~ral Register.: .'
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