NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE (NMFS) AND NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION (NOAA)

Fishery conservation and management, west coast states and western Pacific fisheries, highly migratory species: Fisheries Off West Coast States; Highly Migratory Species Fisheries, Federal Register, October 15, 2007, Volume 72, Number 198, Rules and Regulations, Page 58258, 50 CFR Part 660, Docket No. 0612243162-7541-02, I.D. 032607A, RIN 0648-AU77, Final rule.

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(This final rule is effective November 14, 2007.)

SUMMARY: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) implements daily bag limits for sport-caught albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga) and bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off California under the Fishery Management Plan for U.S. West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species (HMS FMP). This action is meant to be a conservation measure as part of the 2007-2009 biennial management cycle established in the HMS FMP Framework provisions for changes to routine management measures.

BAG LIMITS:

1. An individual may keep 10 albacore tuna harvested by recreational fishing in the U.S. EEZ south of Point Conception (34˚ 27' N. latitude) to the U.S.-Mexico border.
2. An individual may keep 25 albacore tuna harvested by recreational fishing in the U.S. EEZ north of Point Conception to the California-Oregon border.
3. An individual may keep 10 bluefin tuna harvested by recreational fishing in the U.S. EEZ off the entire California coast.
4. The bag limits apply to each 24 hour period, regardless of how many times the boat goes out.
5. The bag limits include fish taken in both state and federal waters.
6. If the California rules are more restrictive, the California rules apply.
7. The bag limit applies to a full multiple-day fishing trip unless a California multi-day possession permit has been granted; Add up the daily limits to get the trip limit. Usually only three days worth is allowed, per person.
8. If any part of the fishing trip goes into South waters, the more restrictive bag limit of 10 applies.
9. Each fisherman aboard a vessel may continue to use recreational angling gear until the combined daily limits of HMS for all licensed and juvenile anglers aboard has been reached (additional state restrictions on boat limits may apply).