# Atlantic Billfishes; Atlantic Blue Marlin and Atlantic White Marlin Size Limits; Billfish Tournament Notification Requirements
> **Rule** · Interim rule; request for comments. · Published 1998-03-24 · Effective 1998-03-27 · 63 FR 14030
## Document
- **Document number:** 98-7629
- **Category:** other
- **Species:** marlin
- **Federal Register citation:** 63 FR 14030
- **Publication date:** 1998-03-24
- **Effective date:** 1998-03-27
- **NOAA docket:** Docket No. 980305056-8056-01
## Abstract

This interim rule increases the minimum size limits for Atlantic blue marlin (BUM) and Atlantic white marlin (WHM) to 96 inches (244 cm) lower jaw-fork length (LJFL) and 66 inches (168 cm) LJFL, respectively, and specifies requirements to notify NMFS of tournaments involving any Atlantic billfish at least 4 weeks prior to commencement. NMFS invites public comments on the increase in minimum size limits. Public hearings on this issue will be announced in the Federal Register at a later date. The intended effect of this interim rule is to reduce overfishing of BUM and WHM, and to implement a recommendation of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT).

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/1998/03/24/98-7629/atlantic-billfishes-atlantic-blue-marlin-and-atlantic-white-marlin-size-limits-billfish-tournament)
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