August 8, 2025 — NOAA Fisheries announced a closure of the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Angling Category (recreational) across all areas and all size classes, effective 11:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, through December 31, 2025. This action takes effect in less than a week, impacting anglers during the peak of the late-summer offshore tuna season, when recreational boats typically target bluefin ranging from school-size to giants. It applies to anglers fishing under HMS Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permits. Read the NOAA notice.
Exactly Which Sizes Are Affected?
The closure covers all recreational bluefin size classes listed by NOAA:
- School
- Large school
- Small medium
- Large medium
- Giant
What You Can Still Do
During the closure, anglers may catch-and-release or tag-and-release bluefin of any size when following NOAA’s catch-and-release program requirements. Harvest of other HMS (e.g., yellowfin) remains open per current regulations. See NOAA resources: Safe Handling & Release Guidance and HMS Permits & Reporting.
Why This Closure is Happening
NOAA reports the Angling category preliminary adjusted quota—including the Gulf of Maine Trophy quota—has been reached, triggering the closure through year’s end. Details here.
Who Is—and Isn’t—Affected
- Affected: Recreational anglers on vessels with HMS Angling or HMS Charter/Headboat permits (no retention of bluefin of any size).
- Not affected: The commercial bluefin fishery remains open under its separate categories and quotas.
Quick Links
For weekly offshore fishing reports, visit OnTheWater.com.
