Contact: Stephanie Dorezas               FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                         August 19, 1998             

Based on a recent analysis of 1997 recreational Atlantic bluefin tuna landings that finds anglers brought in more fish than previously recorded, the National Marine Fisheries Service must adjust 1998 quotas for school size and large school/small medium size bluefin to remain within international catch levels intended to allow the overfished species to recover.

Catch estimates for 1997 have been revised and are higher than previously published due to revisions of the Large Pelagic Survey data and estimation methods screened for quality control purposes. The survey uses a phone-in reporting system, random calling of permit holders, and dockside questioning of anglers returning from fishing trips to formulate landing estimates. Revised estimates indicate that fishermen exceeded the quota of 108 metric tons for school size fish by 16 metric tons and the quota of 151 metric tons for large school/small medium quota by 19 metric tons. School size tunas measure between 27 and 47 inches, and large school/small medium size fish between 47 and 73 inches.

To make up for the 1997 quota overages, the agency will adjust 1998 quotas in both size classes in the recreational fishery. For school size bluefin tuna, all available quota was allocated at the beginning of the season (consistent with the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas limitation on annual catch of school bluefin to 8 percent by weight of the total annual domestic quota). Therefore, the agency will reduce the 1998 subquota for school size fish by deducting the excess landings of 16 metric tons, which will revise that subquota to 92 metric tons.

Due to this adjustment and estimated 1998 catch, it has been determined that the quotafor school size bluefin for the southern area (Delaware and states south) has been attained and the fishery must close Aug. 13, 1998, through Dec. 31, 1998. Some school size bluefin quota remains for the northern area (New Jersey and states north) and the agency may reopen that fishery when the fish are present in the traditional late summer/early fall fishing areas.

For the large school/small medium quota, the agency will transfer 19 metric tons of bluefin from the reserve quota, which will revise the 1998 large school medium quota to 151 metric tons. The Angling category large school/small medium fishery remains open in all areas at one fish per vessel per day. The Angling category fishery for trophy size fish (measuring 73 inches or greater) also remains open in all areas until further notice, subject to the trophy fish limit of one per vessel per year. Anglers should verify that the trophy category remains open by calling the NMFS 24-hour Atlantic Tunas Information Line at 888-USA-TUNA (888-872-8862), 301-713-1279, or 978-281-9305, prior to each fishing trip. Anglers may continue to tag and release bluefin provided they have a valid Atlantic Tunas permit.

All bluefin landed under the Angling category quota outside of North Carolina must be reported within 24 hours of landing to the NMFS Automated Catch Reporting System by phoning 888-USA-TUNA; in North Carolina, all bluefin must be reported to a reporting station. For North Carolina Harvest Tagging Program information, including reporting station locations, call 800-338-7804.