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DOC/NOAA RIN: 0648-BO23 Publication ID: 2026 
Title: ●Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Management Measures for the Angling and General Category Fisheries 
Abstract:

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce, is responsible for managing Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq., and consistent with the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA), id. 971 et seq ., the implementing statute for binding recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas. This rulemaking would consider options in line with the bluefin tuna-related public requests received for regulatory changes per Executive Order 14276 and consistent with applicable law. These options could include among others: (1) modifying the Angling category areas and allocations for school and large school/small medium-sized bluefin tuna; (2) establishing fishing seasons for school and large school/small medium-sized bluefin tuna; (3) and modifying regulations regarding restricted-fishing days, including potential expansion to other categories. These potential changes would ensure equitable fishing opportunities for recreational and commercial bluefin tuna fishery participants in federal waters of the Atlantic Ocean. While these potential changes could have different effects on individual entities, the action as a whole would not change the overall quota available for harvest and therefore is not expected to have an overall economic impact on bluefin tuna fisheries. In 2022, ex-vessel revenues for the entire bluefin tuna fishery totaled approximately $12.4 million. This action is being taken pursuant to the rulemaking authority under sections 304(c) and 304(g)(1) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. 16 U.S.C.1854(g)(1).

 
Agency: Department of Commerce(DOC)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
EO 14192 Designation: Not subject to, not significant 
CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635   
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801    16 USC 971   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  07/00/2026 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: YES  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: Yes 
Agency Contact:
Kelly Denit
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries
Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362,
Silver Spring, MD 20901
Phone:301 427-8500
Email: kelly.denit@noaa.gov