Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Incidental Catch Requirements of Bluefin Tuna

NMFS amends regulations under the framework provisions of the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Tunas, Swordfish, and Sharks (HMS FMP) governing the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) fishery as they affect landing of BFT in the Atlantic pelagic longline fishery. The intent of this action is to minimize dead discards of BFT and improve management of the Atlantic pelagic longline fishery, while complying with the National Standards of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) and allowing harvest consistent with recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT).