The National Marine Fisheries has decided to extend the bluefin tuna season little bit longer which gives commercial fishermen more opportunity to harvest the highly valuable fish this winter. Experts informed that the bluefin tuna is unpredictable in its migration; and fishermen never know for sure when they’ll arrive and when they do, it’s not for long.
As per new rule, which takes effect Dec. 30, will allow the bluefin tuna season for general category permit holders to remain open through March 31 or until the full January sub-quota is caught. The rule also increases the maximum daily retention from three fish to five. This new rule will help the fishermen to get more of fishing season.
U.S. Rep. Walter B. Jones, R-3rd District, said that the decision is good for the North Carolina tuna fishermen which help them provide an economic boost to North Carolina fishing communities during the winter.
Eric Forsberg, a commercial fisherman and manager of Blue Ocean Fish Market in Morehead City, said that it’s still a little early in the season, especially with the warm weather. Still, they are counting on a good season after last year’s late showing.
