NMFS transfers 15 metric tons of Atlantic bluefin tuna quota to recreational angling category

NOAA Fisheries published a rule on October 15, 2026, transferring 15 metric tons (mt) of Atlantic bluefin tuna quota from the Reserve category to the Angling category large school/small medium sub-quota. The document number is 2026-21080.

The Angling category covers recreational rod-and-reel anglers, including private vessels and for-hire charter boats. Within the Angling category, NMFS divides the allocation into sub-quotas by size class. The large school/small medium sub-quota covers fish in those two size classes. Adding 15 mt to that sub-quota pool expands how much can be retained under Angling category rules before NMFS would need to close or restrict it.

Reserve-to-sub-quota transfers are a standard management adjustment under the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act. NMFS holds a Reserve allocation each year and moves portions of it to active categories when quota tracking warrants it. This transfer does not change per-trip limits or vessel-class retention rules; those are set in the applicable HMS regulations and updated each season. Current trip limits for large school and small medium bluefin tuna under the Angling category are at NOAA Fisheries at fisheries.noaa.gov/contact/highly-migratory-species.

On The Water's October 14 Northeast Offshore report described massive bunker schools drawing giant bluefin tuna close to New Jersey, with Cape Cod anglers targeting giants during brief feeding windows. The quota transfer was published the following day. Federal Register rule 2026-21080 is the controlling legal instrument. NOAA HMS publishes current sub-quota status at fisheries.noaa.gov.

On the water: Rules and conditions can change quickly. Confirm current regulations and official marine forecasts for your exact trip.