15A NCAC 03M .0520     TUNA

(a)  It shall be unlawful to possess for recreational purposes any of the following:

(1)           yellowfin tuna less than 27 inches curved fork length;

(2)           bigeye tuna less than 27 inches curved fork length; and

(3)           more than three yellowfin tuna per person per day.

(b)  It shall be unlawful to possess in a commercial fishing operation any of the following:

(1)           yellowfin tuna less than 27 inches curved fork length or 27 inches from the fork of the tail to the forward edge of the cut of beheaded tuna;

(2)           bigeye tuna less than 27 inches curved fork length or 27 inches from the fork of the tail to the forward edge of the cut of beheaded tuna;

(3)           Atlantic bluefin tuna less than 73 inches curved fork length or 54 inches pectoral fin curved fork length; and

(4)           tuna subject to a size or harvest restriction without having the tail attached.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 113‑134; 113‑182; 143B‑289.52;

Eff. October 1, 2008;

Amended Eff. April 1, 2011;

Readopted Eff. April 1, 2019.