Effective January 1, 1999, NMFS adjusted the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) Angling category daily catch limit to one fish from the school, large school, or small medium size class per vessel. Based on recent information regarding catch rates of school BFT off North Carolina and the limited annual quota, NMFS is concerned that fishing opportunities may be curtailed in northern areas. Therefore, NMFS adjusts the daily catch limit for BFT in all areas to one fish per vessel, which may be from the large school or small medium size class. NMFS takes this action to lengthen the fishing season and to ensure reasonable fishing opportunities in all geographic areas without risking overharvest of the annual quota established for the Angling category fishery.