Effective 11:30 p.m. November 17, 2003 the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Angling category will close and remain closed until further notice. Until 11:30 p.m. November 17, 2003, the current recreational daily bluefin tuna retention limit in all areas is one BFT per vessel, measuring 47 to less than 73 inches curved fork length.

Subsequent changes to the daily retention limit will be announced on this web site. All bluefin must be reported by calling (888) 872-8862, visiting the www.nmfspermits.com website, or in Maryland and North Carolina, to the nearest reporting station. For North Carolina reporting station locations, call 1-800-338-7804; for Maryland reporting station locations, call (410) 213-1531. The Angling category yellowfin tuna daily retention limit is 3 yellowfin/person. The minimum size for yellowfin and bigeye tuna is 27" curved fork length. There are no minimum sizes or retention limits for skipjack and albacore. NOAA Fisheries also has determined that a BFT quota transfer from the General category to the Reserve category in the amount of 150 metric tons (mt) is warranted. These actions are being taken to ensure that U.S. BFT harvest is consistent with recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, pursuant to the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act, to meet domestic management objectives under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and to prevent overharvest of the 2003 Angling category quota.