Archival tags have been successfully placed in 10 Atlantic bluefin tuna ranging in size from 180 to 350 pounds. This covers small medium, large medium and giant bluefin tuna.

               small medium - 135-235 lbs 
               large medium - 235-210 lbs 
               giant -        310 lbs and up

$1,000 will be paid for each tag that is properly removed from legally caught Atlantic bluefin tuna and returned.

Fishermen must follow all regulations.

Fishermen are reminded that possessing or landing large school or small medium Atlantic bluefin tuna (ABT) is currently prohibited. NMFS closed the Atlantic bluefin tuna categories for large school and small medium on March 17, 1996. Fishermen are also reminded that possessing, or landing large medium and giant Atlantic bluefin tuna was closed February 28, 1996. Anglers may continue to fish for and land school size ABT, measuring 27 inches (69 cm) to less than 47 inches (119 cm) total forked length. Anglers may also continue to fish for ABT 47 inches (119 cm) or greater under the NMFS tag and release program (50 CFR 285.27). The giant/large medium and large school/small medium size categories will remain closed until further notice.

Vessels that have been issued incidental catch permits under 50 CFR section 285.21 may retain and land large medium and giant Atlantic bluefin tuna as an incidental catch under the requirements of 50 CFR section 285.23.

The commercial fishery for large medium and giant bluefin tuna will open June 1, 1996.

A unique external streamer tag of florescent orange and white is attached to the dorsal musculature high on the shoulder within about an inch of the dorsal midline. On the white side of the tag it says "electronic tag inside stomach," and on the orange side it says "Big $$$ reward." A light stalk from the archival tag is protruding from the stomach cavity. If legally taken, confirmed archival tagged fish should be brought aboard the boat. DO NOT REMOVE THE ARCHIVAL TAG BY PULLING THE EXTERNAL LIGHT STALK IN THE STOMACH CAVITY. TO REMOVE THE ARCHIVAL TAG MAKE A SMALL INCISION IN THE AREA OF THE STOMACH AND REMOVE THE METAL TAG (WITH THE LIGHT STALK) BY HAND. DO NOT CLEAN THE TAG, SIMPLY COVER IT AND CALL THE NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE. DURING BUSINESS HOURS CALL 1-800-437-3936 or (305) 361-4219 ON WEEKENDS, OR AT NIGHT CALL DR. ERIC PRINCE COLLECT AT (305) 598-0944. INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE PROVIDED REGARDING WHERE AND HOW THE TAG SHOULD BE MAILED. AFTER VERIFICATION OF THE TAG, ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE REGARDING PAYMENT OF THE $1,000.