NOAAFinal Rule
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; Closure of the General Category January through March Fishery for 2026
AgricultureEnvironment
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Summary
The federal government has closed commercial bluefin tuna fishing in the Atlantic Ocean from January through March of 2026 for most fishing companies. This closure is meant to protect bluefin tuna populations from overfishing and ensure the species remains available for future generations.
Key Points
- 1Commercial fishing boats cannot legally catch and sell Atlantic bluefin tuna during the first three months of 2026
- 2This closure applies to the 'General Category' of fishing operations, which includes most commercial fishermen
- 3The goal is to help bluefin tuna populations recover by limiting how many fish are caught during this period
- 4Fishing companies will need to pause their bluefin tuna operations or focus on other fish species during this time
- 5This is part of ongoing efforts by NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) to manage ocean fish populations sustainably
Key Dates
Published
January 16, 2026
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.
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