The Southern New England trophy bluefin tuna fishery – for fish 73 inches curved fork length (CFL) or greater – is closed as of 11:30 p.m. on July 3, 2026. Anglers can still currently retain 2 bluefin tuna per vessel/day/trip from 27” to less than 73” of which 1 may be 47″<73”. Check the HMS website for the most up-to-date regs.
Recreational fishermen aboard vessels holding an Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling category permit or an HMS Charter/Headboat permit are prohibited from retaining, possessing, or landing large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna in the Southern New England area from 11:30 p.m. July 3 through December 31, 2026. The size threshold for affected fish is 73 inches curved fork length (CFL) or greater.
What Area Is Affected?
The closure applies to the Southern New England area, defined as south of 42° N. latitude and north of 39°18′ N. latitude — covering the offshore waters from roughly Cape Cod south to the New York/New Jersey line.
What About Commercial Fishing?
Commercial bluefin tuna operations are not affected by this closure.
Can You Still Fish for Giant Bluefin Tuna?
Catch-and-release fishing for trophy-class bluefin tuna may continue, but no retention is permitted under any recreational permit in the defined area for the remainder of 2026.
Anglers can still currently retain 2 bluefin tuna per vessel/day/trip from 27” to less than 73” of which 1 may be 47″<73”. Check the HMS website for the most up-to-date regs.
For more information on the Southern New England area boundaries, refer to the NOAA Amendment 13 Compliance Guide.