DEM REMINDS RECREATIONAL SALTWATER ANGLERS OF FEDERAL TUNA RULES

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management is reminding recreational saltwater anglers that Atlantic bluefin tuna now being found in nearshore Rhode Island waters are a federally regulated species. Therefore, a federal fishing permit is required, and the following federal regulations apply.

The minimum size limit is 27 inches (curved fork length). The daily possession limit is one bluefin per vessel per day/trip, for fish that are between 27 and 73 inches in length. (Only one "trophy" fish, greater than 73 inches, may be landed per vessel per season.) All landings must be reported to federal officials within 24 hours. There are no restrictions on catch and release fishing, other than the permit requirement.

This reminder is being issued by DEM's Office of Law Enforcement as a result of a recent incident in which a witness reported seeing one vessel with four landed bluefin tuna.

The one-fish limit is an important management tool to keep landings within the quota established by the National Marine Fisheries Service. The quota is necessary to implement recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, as required by the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act.

Yellowfin, bigeye, albacore, and skipjack tunas, also found in southern New England waters, are also federally regulated, and subject to the same permit requirement governing bluefin tuna. (There is a three fish per person per day/trip limit for yellowfin, but no retention limits for the other species.)

For permit information and to report landings, visit www.nmfspermits.com online, or call 1-888-872-8862. Potential violations of Atlantic tunas regulations should be reported to the National Marine Fisheries Service 24-hour enforcement hotline, at 1-800-853-1964.