Hi Folks,Based on the data from the Large Pelagics Survey and NMFS Automated Landings Reporting System, the NMFS has determined it is necessary to reduce the daily retention limit of large school and small medium bluefin tuna. (measuring 47 to <73 inches curved fork length)
The original limit was two of this size per day. It has been reduced to ONE of this size per day. In addition to the ONE 47 to 73 inch fish, you are still allowed to take another ONE school bluefin measuring from 27 to 47 inches.
To recap, the new 2008 bluefin daily retention limit, per boat, is one from 27 to 47 inches and another from 47 to 73 inches of curved fork length measurement.
This does not change the limit of large medium or "giant" bluefin tuna. Thse are fish larger than 73 inches. The angling category limit, per boat, on this size fish is ONE PER YEAR !
Please email if there are further questions,
Bruce & Marilyn S