NMFS Updates Bluefin Tuna Rules and Early 2026 Landings

The National Marine Fisheries Service Permit Shop posted a January 6, 2026 update to its Highly Migratory Species (HMS) news feed announcing automatic re-openings and default retention limits for bluefin tuna fisheries that took effect January 1, 2026. Recreational anglers may retain one fish 27–73 inches CFL per vessel per day, with a separate trophy recreational allowance of one fish over 73 inches CFL per vessel per year. The General category is operating under a default limit of one fish greater than 73 inches CFL per vessel per day.

The HMS update also provided early commercial landings information for 2026. The General category had landed 11.7 metric tons at the time of the notice, against a 37.7 metric ton base quota. That landed amount represents the portion of the subquota already accounted for and underscores how quickly fisheries can approach closure thresholds when landings accumulate.

Permit holders face active management throughout the year because fisheries can close when relevant subquotas are met. The news feed framed the re-openings within that closure and re-opening context and reiterated the need for anglers and commercial operators to track quota status and comply with trophy and angling rules. Those rules remain in force and differ between recreational and General category permits.

Practical implications are immediate: plan trips with an eye on current retention limits, confirm that vessel permits are in order, and record any bluefin landings accurately. Monitor quota status closely to avoid unintentionally exceeding limits and to adjust trip timing if closures are announced. For commercial operators, the early-season 11.7 mt figure signals how much of the General category base quota remains and how quickly remaining allotments could be consumed.

For ongoing status updates and quota tracking, consult the NMFS HMS news feed at hmspermits.noaa.gov/news. Monitoring that page regularly will help anglers and permit holders respond to closures, re-openings, and any administrative reminders about trophy and angling requirements as the season progresses.