NMFS postpones the closure of the Angling category fishery for large school and small medium Atlantic bluefin tuna (ABT) in the southern area (Delaware and states south). NMFS previously announced a closure date of June 27, 1997, for this category. However, based on dockside intercept data, NMFS has determined that catch rates have not been as high as projected. This closure postponement is necessary to provide fishery participants a reasonable opportunity the catch the allocated quota. This action is being taken to extend scientific data collection on ABT and to further domestic management objectives for the Atlantic tuna fisheries.