MA Sets New Limits for Atlantic Bonito and False Albacore

False albacore and Atlantic bonito are subject to new limits in Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries has set its first-ever size and possession limits for both false albacore (aka little tunny) and Atlantic bonito.

On Tuesday, May 6, officials announced the minimum size limit for both species is 16-inches. Additionally, retention is limited to no more than 5-fish per person of both species combined.

Catch and release of this false albacore.

The new limits apply universally to all persons whether commercially or recreationally fishing. However, commercial weir operators and mechanized mackerel jig fishers who may encounter some bycatch of these fish during their routine operations are exempt from the possession and size limits because officials said sorting and discarding the bycatch would be unduly burdensome.

Officials said fishing for Atlantic bonito and false albacore is growing in popularity, particularly along the southern coast of Massachusetts. Late summer fishing in the area now focuses on these species as they have become more seasonally available while other target species, such as bluefish and striped bass, are not as plentiful locally.

In fact, in 2024, Atlantic bonito landings in Massachusetts were nearly six times larger than average annual landings over the past decade. The local growth of this fishery is significant and officials said it is happening without the benefit of population assessments, extensive understanding of species life history, or fishery management plans to control fishing mortality.

With this in mind, marine fisheries officials have opted to adopt precautionary management measures for these species until a time when a more robust science and management program is implemented.

The new possession limits are designed to keep recreational harvest approximately at current levels and discourage further expansion while curtailing the development of a directed commercial fishery.

The size limit reflects estimated size-at-maturity for both species.