Bluefin Tuna Measures Provide for a School-Size Fishery NOAA Fisheries Service has published a
to set Atlantic bluefin tuna quotas and effort controls, with some changes from the proposed rule. Based on a new analysis of the methodologies used to estimate recreational harvest, the final rule includes a 40.9 metric ton increase in Angling category quota. Therefore, although the proposed rule included a prohibition on the retention of school-size bluefin (27-47″ curved fork length), the final rule provides for a modest school-size fishery.
The school fishery will be open in the southern area (roughly south of Great Egg Inlet, NJ) from July 1 to 21, 2006, during which time a retention limit of one school-size bluefin per day/trip will be in effect. In the northern area, one school-size bluefin per day/trip may be retained from August 25 to September 14, 2006. In addition, Angling category vessels may retain two bluefin (47-73″) per vessel per day/trip, effective in all areas, for the entire fishing year.
Persons aboard vessels permitted in the General category may retain three bluefin > 73″ per vessel per day/trip through August 31, 2006. This rule also establishes restricted fishing days to improve the distribution of fishing opportunities toward the end of the season. Please refer to the final rule for a list of time-period subquotas and restricted fishing days.
For more information, read the
Di************@no**.gov
.
Bluefin Tuna Measures Provide for a School-Size Fishery
NOAA Fisheries Service has published a
final ruleto set Atlantic bluefin tuna quotas and effort controls, with some changes from the proposed rule. Based on a new analysis of the methodologies used to estimate recreational harvest, the final rule includes a 40.9 metric ton increase in Angling category quota. Therefore, although the proposed rule included a prohibition on the retention of school-size bluefin (27-47″ curved fork length), the final rule provides for a modest school-size fishery.
The school fishery will be open in the southern area (roughly south of Great Egg Inlet, NJ) from July 1 to 21, 2006, during which time a retention limit of one school-size bluefin per day/trip will be in effect. In the northern area, one school-size bluefin per day/trip may be retained from August 25 to September 14, 2006. In addition, Angling category vessels may retain two bluefin (47-73″) per vessel per day/trip, effective in all areas, for the entire fishing year.
Persons aboard vessels permitted in the General category may retain three bluefin > 73″ per vessel per day/trip through August 31, 2006. This rule also establishes restricted fishing days to improve the distribution of fishing opportunities toward the end of the season. Please refer to the final rule for a list of time-period subquotas and restricted fishing days.
For more information, read the
Di************@no**.gov
.