1. Proposed Regulatory Changes for the Recreational Bluefin Tuna Fishery Fish and Game Commission Meeting Discussion Hearing February 11, 2015 By: Brian J. Skerry/National Geographic

2.  The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) estimated the Pacific bluefin tuna stock biomass to be less than 4 percent of its unfished abundance.  Through resolution, the IATTC recommends a reduction in catch of 20-45 percent over the entire range of the stock.  In November 2014, the Pacific Fishery Management Council took final action to reduce the bag limit to two fish per day, which is projected to reduce catch by 30 percent.  The Department is proposing the following regulation changes to conform to these changes to federal rules.

3. §28.38. Tunas. The following daily bag limits apply: (b) Bluefin tuna - The special limit for bluefin tuna is 2, which may be taken or possessed in addition to the overall general daily bag limit of 20 finfish specified in subsection 27.60(a). This limit applies to all bluefin tuna possessed, regardless of where taken.

4. (b)(11) For all species of tuna filleted on any boat or brought ashore as fillets south of a line running due west true from Point Conception, Santa Barbara County (34 o 27' N. lat.) each fish must be individually bagged as follows: (A) The bag must be marked with the species’ common name. (B) The fish must be cut into six pieces with all skin attached. These pieces are the four loins, the collar removed as one piece with both pectoral fins attached and intact, and the belly fillet cut to include the vent and with both pelvic fins attached and intact.

5. Questions  Thank You Official comments should be sent to: FGC@fgc.ca.gov