Summary:
NMFS proposes regulations under the Tuna Conventions Act (TCA) of 1950, as amended, to implement Resolution C-24-01 (Conservation Measures For Tropical Tunas In The Eastern Pacific Ocean During 2025- 2026) adopted at the 102nd Meeting of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) in September 2024. This proposed rule would maintain and extend management measures for fishing vessels targeting tropical tuna (i.e., bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus)), yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), and skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) in the eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO). The fishing restrictions would apply to large purse seine vessels of class sizes 4-6 (i.e., vessels with a carrying capacity of 182 metric tons (mt) or greater) and longline vessels greater than 24 meters (m) in overall length that fish for tropical tuna in the EPO. This proposed rule is necessary for the conservation of tropical tuna stocks in the EPO and for the United States to satisfy its obligations as a member of the IATTC.