NMFS closes the Atlantic bluefin tuna General Category October-November fishery for the remainder of 2026

NOAA Fisheries published a final rule on October 20, 2026, closing the General Category Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery for the remainder of the October-through-November time period. The document number is 2026-21450, published in the Federal Register under the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species program.

The General Category covers permit holders fishing Atlantic bluefin tuna under commercial handgear rules, using rod and reel, handline, or harpoon. It is separate from the Angling category, which covers private recreational vessels and for-hire charter boats operating under recreational HMS permits. General Category closures occur when NMFS determines the October-November sub-quota has been filled or is projected to be filled. Once closed, General Category permit holders may not retain Atlantic bluefin tuna under that category for the remainder of the covered period unless NMFS publishes a re-opening notice. Federal Register document 2026-21450 is the controlling instrument. Check fisheries.noaa.gov for any re-opening action.

The Angling category, which most private offshore anglers and charter boats fish under, operates under a separate allocation and is not closed by this rule. On October 15, NMFS transferred 15 metric tons of quota from the Reserve category to the Angling category large school/small medium sub-quota (Federal Register rule 2026-21080), expanding the pool available for retention in those size classes. Current Angling category sub-quota status is tracked at the NOAA HMS website and can be restricted at any point when landings approach the limit. Confirm current status at fisheries.noaa.gov/contact/highly-migratory-species before any offshore bluefin departure.

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