Trophy bluefin tuna in the Gulf of Mexico are off-limits for 2026
What happened
The US government has closed the recreational fishery for very large bluefin tuna in the Gulf of Mexico. This means fishermen cannot catch any bluefin tuna measuring 73 inches or more for the entire year of 2026.
Why it matters
Recreational fishermen cannot catch the largest bluefin tuna in the Gulf of Mexico for all of 2026. This is a direct measure to protect a highly valued fish population that has faced overfishing for years. It means anglers will have to find other targets next year.
The signal
Watch for future announcements about bluefin tuna populations in the Gulf of Mexico, and whether this temporary closure becomes a recurring or permanent restriction.