(examiner.com) Fishermen won't be able to catch as much Atlantic bluefin tuna for the rest of this year. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) reduced the allowed harvest, effective immediately, for recreational catch. It made the decision based on the latest data.
NMFS is acting under the 2006 Consolidated HMS Fishery Management Plan to prevent overharvesting. The directive closes the southern section to all catch of large and medium “trophy (those over 73 inches)” bluefin.
NMFS has noted that since 2008, anglers have increased their take of the larger fish. Therefore, the recreational fishing community has reached its quota while catching fewer fish than before.
NMFS had set different limits over the last five year for private boats and charter/headboats. While private boats have sometimes been limited to one fish of a given size per day or trip, charter operators argued that they needed a bigger quota to attract customers. Charters account for only 35 percent of the catch.
NMFS also considers the size/age of fish, which seem to be getting bigger.
Under the revised limits for the rest of 2012, private boats can take one bluefin measuring between 27 and 73 inches per day/trip. Charters can take one between 27 and 47 inches and another between 47 and 73 inches.
Depending on how it goes, NMFS reserves the right to alter the quotas again later in the year. Anglers may still catch and release tuna of all sizes, as long as they follow the rules to maximize survivability of fish (not taking them out of the water).