Posted on April 30, 2021 Good news for tuna anglers NOAA Fisheries is adjusting Atlantic bluefin tuna daily retention limits for recreationalfishermen. The adjusted limits go into effect on May 2, 2021, and extend throughDecember 31, 2021, unless modified by later action.What is changing? Limit per Vessel per Day/Trip Adjusted Retention Limit per Vessel per Day/TripPrivate vessels with a HighlyMigratory Species (HMSAngling category permit 2 school bluefin tuna (27 to <47”) &1 large school/smallmedium (47 to <73”)Charter boats with an HMSCharter/Headboat permit fishingrecreationally 3 school & 1 large school/small medium Headboats with an HMSCharter/Headboat permit fishingrecreationally 6 school & 2 large school/small medium Who is affectedThe changes apply to HMS Angling category permitted vessels and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels when fishing recreationally. The daily retention limits are effective for all areas except for the Gulf of Mexico, where NOAA Fisheries does not allow targeted fishing for bluefin tuna. Anglers may still catch and release or tag and release bluefin tuna of all sizes, subject to the requirements of HM gale warning S catch-and-release and tag-and-release programs. All released bluefin tuna must be handled in a manner that will maximize survivability and without removing the fish from the water.Catch reportingAngling category and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessel owners are required to report the catch of all bluefin retained or discarded dead within 24 hours of landing or the end of each trip by:Accessing the HMS Permit Shop. Using the HMS Catch Reporting app. Calling 888-872-8862 (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.).A gale warning is up through late tonight for west gusts to 45 knots. That’s fine for surfcasters, and will knock down the swell, but boaters will look forward to Sunday with northwest 15-20 knots dropping to 10-15 in the afternoon.