Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Federal Atlantic Tunas Regulations in Maine State Waters

NMFS is adding Maine to the list of states for which NMFS has determined that Federal Atlantic tunas regulations are applicable within state waters, consistent with section 9(d) of the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA) and implementing regulations. NMFS is taking this action after considering a request from the Maine Department of Marine Resources (MEDMR) and reviewing the state's relevant laws and regulations. Most states and territories bordering the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico are currently included in the list, except Maine, Connecticut, and Mississippi. This addition of Maine to the list makes Federal Atlantic tunas regulations--including but not limited to open and closed seasons, retention limits, size limits, authorized gears and gear restrictions, and permitting and reporting requirements-- applicable in Maine state waters.