NOAA Fisheries announces interim 2020 recreational management measures for the Atlantic bluefish fishery. These temporary measures are needed to prevent overfishing on the bluefish stock, which was declared overfished in late 2019.

The following interim regulations apply to all recreational vessels fishing for bluefish in federal waters from Maine through Florida effective February 28, 2020:

• Private Recreational Vessels – Daily bag limit of 3 fish per person.
• For-Hire Vessels (Party/Charter Permit) – Daily bag limit of 5 fish per person.

All other management measures and requirements, including minimum size and recreational seasons, remain unchanged.

For more details read the rule as published in the Federal Register and the bulletin posted on our website.

Submit Your Comments by March 30, 2020

Submit your comments either through the online e-rulemaking portal or by mailing your comments to: Michael Pentony, Regional Administrator, NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Region, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930.

Please mark the outside of the envelope, "Comments on the Bluefish Interim Action.

Questions?

Media: Contact Jennifer Goebel, Regional Office, 978-281-9175

Fishermen: Contact Cynthia Ferrio, Sustainable Fisheries Division, 978-281-9180