NOAA Fisheries has closed the Gulf of Maine trophy bluefin tuna fishery effective 11:30 p.m. August 4, 2026, after landings exceeded the area’s trophy subquota. Recreational anglers with HMS Angling or Charter/Headboat permits may no longer retain bluefin tuna measuring 73 inches curved fork length or greater in the area through December 31.
With this closure, NOAA has now shut down every Atlantic bluefin tuna trophy area for the remainder of 2026. The agency previously closed the Southern New England area and all other trophy zones — the Gulf of Maine was the last area still open.
Recreational fishermen aboard vessels with an Atlantic HMS Angling category or Charter/Headboat permit are prohibited from retaining, possessing, or landing large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna measuring 73 inches curved fork length (CFL) or greater in the Gulf of Maine area from 11:30 p.m. August 4, 2026, through December 31, 2026. For full recreational regulations, visit the HMS Recreational Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fishery Statuses and Bag Limits website.
The Gulf of Maine area is defined as waters north of 42° N. latitude.
Smaller Bluefin Remain Open
The Angling category fishery for school, large school, and small medium bluefin tuna — fish measuring 27 to less than 73 inches — remains open in all areas. The one exception is the Gulf of America, which is designated as bluefin tuna spawning grounds and is closed to targeted bluefin fishing entirely.
Commercial Fishing Not Affected
Commercial bluefin tuna operations are not impacted by this closure. Catch-and-release fishing for trophy-class bluefin may continue under recreational permits, but no retention is allowed in any area through the end of 2026.
For full boundary information, see the NOAA Amendment 13 Compliance Guide.
