Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; Harpoon Category Retention Limit Adjustment

Document 2026-10891 is a Final Rule published by the Department of Commerce in the Federal Register on June 1, 2026, with an effective date of June 1, 2026. NMFS is decreasing the Harpoon category daily retention limit from the default of no more than a combined total of 10 large medium and giant bluefin tuna (BFT) (i.e., measuring 73 inches (185 cm) or greater curved fork length (CFL)), to no more than a combined total of 5 large medium and giant BFT. The incidental catch limit of two large medium BFT per vessel per day/trip remains unchanged. This retention limit applies to Atlantic Tunas Harpoon category permitted vessels from June 1 through the remainder of the 2026 Harpoon category fishing season, which concludes on November 15, 2026, or until further modified. View the original at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/01/2026-10891/atlantic-highly-migratory-species-atlantic-bluefin-tuna-fisheries-harpoon-category-retention-limit.

No. Document 2026-10891 is not classified as economically significant under Executive Order 12866. Economically significant rules require OIRA review and are estimated to have impacts of $100 million or more per year.