Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Bluefin Tuna Catch Limit Adjustments

NMFS adjusts the daily retention limit for the Angling and General category fisheries for Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) for the 2003 fishing year that began June 1, 2003, and ends May 31, 2004. Vessels permitted in the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling and the Atlantic HMS Charter/Headboat categories are eligible to land BFT under the BFT Angling category quotas. Vessels permitted in the Atlantic tunas General category and Atlantic HMS Charter/Headboat categories are eligible to land BFT under the BFT General category quotas. The seasonal adjustments to the daily retention limit for each BFT size class are specified in the DATES and SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION sections of this document. This action is being taken to provide increased fishing opportunities in all areas without risking overharvest in each category.