Bluefin tuna were observed close to shore off northern Ocean County, but recreational anglers could not fish for them because the bluefin fishery has been closed since Aug. 12 after NOAA determined anglers exceeded the 138 metric ton U.S. quota. The international body ICCAT meets Nov. 17–24, with the U.S. delegation expected to seek higher Western Atlantic quotas. NOAA has submitted preliminary genomic evidence indicating a possible third spawning area in the Slope Sea, where larvae were found at more than half of sampling stations this summer. Further DNA testing is required before the Slope Sea can be confirmed as a spawning ground, but recognition could affect future quotas and understanding of bluefin population dynamics.
Bluefin Tuna Put on a Shoreline Spectacle — Fishery Closed as Quota Talks and New Spawning Evidence Loom
Bluefin Tuna Put on a Shoreline Spectacle — But Anglers Were Kept Ashore
Bluefin tuna staged an impressive display last week, driving pods of baitfish within yards of the northern Ocean County shoreline near Brick and Bay Head. Many recreational anglers who were in the area for the striped bass fishery watched in awe — but could not legally target the tuna: the recreational bluefin fishery has been closed since Aug. 12 after NOAA determined anglers exceeded the U.S. 138 metric ton quota.
Quota Decisions Go to ICCAT
Catch limits for highly migratory species like bluefin are set internationally by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), which meets annually in Europe. ICCAT convenes Nov. 17–24, and U.S. meeting documents indicate the U.S. delegation plans to propose higher quotas for Western Atlantic bluefin. Whether that proposal will be adopted remains uncertain.
Possible Third Spawning Area: The Slope Sea
Separately, NOAA has submitted preliminary genomic results to ICCAT suggesting a possible third bluefin spawning area in the Slope Sea — the region between the Gulf Stream and the Northeast U.S. continental shelf. Currently, scientists recognize two primary spawning grounds: the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean.
“Encouraging and exciting but not yet definitive,” said Ray Bogan, the recreational fishing representative on the U.S. ICCAT delegation, urging more DNA testing before designating the Slope Sea a spawning ground.
The interest in the Slope Sea grew after researchers accidentally discovered larvae there. This summer, scientists sampled the top 20 meters of the water column at multiple stations using bongo nets — long, cone-shaped, fine-mesh nets. NOAA reported larvae were found at more than half of the sampling stations and likely number in the many thousands.
Why It Matters
If the Slope Sea is confirmed as a spawning ground, it could alter how scientists understand bluefin population structure and influence future quota decisions. Even without immediate regulatory change, the finding would deepen knowledge of bluefin life history and help improve management decisions.
Attribution: This story was reported by Dan Radel of the Asbury Park Press. Contact: dradel@gannettnj.com.
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