NOAA Fisheries Adjusts the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Daily Retention Limit
General category landings rates have been slow to date in the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) fishery. Based on a review of dealer reports, daily landing trends, and the availability of BFT on the fishing grounds, NOAA Fisheries has determined that an adjustment in the daily retention limit in the General category is necessary in order to maximize utilization of the General category quota, while maintaining a fair distribution of fishing opportunities. Therefore, NOAA Fisheries adjusts the General category daily retention limit to two large medium or giant BFT per vessel per day/trip. The adjustment in the daily retention limit is effective September 20, 2004 through October 20, 2004, inclusive. The retention limit will revert back to one large medium or giant BFT per vessel per day on October 21, 2004.
The intent of this adjustment is to allow for maximum utilization of the U.S. landings quota of BFT (specified under 50 CFR 635.27(a)) while maintaining a fair distribution of fishing opportunities, to help achieve optimum yield in the General category fishery, to collect a broad range of data for stock monitoring purposes, and to be consistent with the objectives of the HMS FMP.
Depending on the level of fishing effort and catch rates of BFT, NOAA Fisheries may determine that additional retention limit adjustments are necessary in order to enhance scientific data collection from, and fishing opportunities in, all geographic areas. Closures or subsequent adjustments to the daily retention limit will be published in the Federal Register. In addition, the Atlantic Tunas Information Line at (888) 872-8862 or (978) 281-9305 will include updates on quota monitoring and retention limit adjustments.
This FAX notice is a courtesy to BFT fishery permit holders to help keep you informed about your fishery. Official notice of Federal fishery actions is made through filing such notice with the Office of the Federal Register. For further information contact Brad McHale, 978-281-9260.
NOAA Fisheries Adjusts the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Daily Retention Limit
General category landings rates have been slow to date in the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) fishery. Based on a review of dealer reports, daily landing trends, and the availability of BFT on the fishing grounds, NOAA Fisheries has determined that an adjustment in the daily retention limit in the General category is necessary in order to maximize utilization of the General category quota, while maintaining a fair distribution of fishing opportunities. Therefore, NOAA Fisheries adjusts the General category daily retention limit to two large medium or giant BFT per vessel per day/trip. The adjustment in the daily retention limit is effective September 20, 2004 through October 20, 2004, inclusive. The retention limit will revert back to one large medium or giant BFT per vessel per day on October 21, 2004.
The intent of this adjustment is to allow for maximum utilization of the U.S. landings quota of BFT (specified under 50 CFR 635.27(a)) while maintaining a fair distribution of fishing opportunities, to help achieve optimum yield in the General category fishery, to collect a broad range of data for stock monitoring purposes, and to be consistent with the objectives of the HMS FMP.
Depending on the level of fishing effort and catch rates of BFT, NOAA Fisheries may determine that additional retention limit adjustments are necessary in order to enhance scientific data collection from, and fishing opportunities in, all geographic areas. Closures or subsequent adjustments to the daily retention limit will be published in the Federal Register. In addition, the Atlantic Tunas Information Line at (888) 872-8862 or (978) 281-9305 will include updates on quota monitoring and retention limit adjustments.
This FAX notice is a courtesy to BFT fishery permit holders to help keep you informed about your fishery. Official notice of Federal fishery actions is made through filing such notice with the Office of the Federal Register. For further information contact Brad McHale, 978-281-9260.