Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; Harpoon Category Quota Transfer

NMFS is transferring 10.8 metric tons (mt) of Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) quota from the Reserve category to the Harpoon category. With this transfer, the adjusted Harpoon category quota for the 2023 fishing season is 70 mt. The 2023 Harpoon category fishery is open until November 15, 2023, or until the Harpoon category quota is reached, whichever comes first. This action is intended to provide further opportunities for Harpoon category fishermen, based on consideration of the regulatory determination criteria regarding inseason adjustments and applies to Atlantic Tunas Harpoon category (commercial) permitted vessels.