# Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; Closure of the Harpoon Category Fishery for 2026

**Action Urgency Score:** 30/100

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Commerce Department; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |
| Type | Final rule |
| Action | Temporary rule; closure. |
| Published | 2026-07-20 |
| Effective | 2026-07-17 |
| Significant | No |
| CFR parts | 50 CFR 635 |
| Summary | NMFS closes the Harpoon category fishery for large medium and giant (i.e., measuring 73 inches (185 centimeters (cm)) curved fork length (CFL) or greater) Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) for the remainder of the 2026 fishing year. This closure applies to Atlantic Tunas Harpoon category permitted vessels. |
| Document number | 2026-14592 |

## Why this score
- Final rule.

Source: Federal Register API (Office of the Federal Register) (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/20/2026-14592/atlantic-highly-migratory-species-atlantic-bluefin-tuna-fisheries-closure-of-the-harpoon-category). Last refreshed: 2026-11-04T21:40:49.974Z.
Data from the Federal Register API; the published Federal Register document is authoritative. Informational only, not legal advice.