As the excitement builds for the expected annual run of southern bluefin tuna off our coastline, DPI/Fisheries has reminded anglers there is a bag limit of only 1 southern bluefin tuna per angler and a possession limit also of only 1 single fish.
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To clarify, an angler may only keep a single southern bluefin and if you already have one in your possession (eg in your fridge/ freezer at home) then you may not keep an additional fish.
There is no boat limit in place for southern bluefin tuna but is restricted as above – three crew = three fish so limit your catch and not catch your limit.
Confirmed reports of southern bluefin tuna entering NSW waters have started to filter through social media, with fishos encountering bluefin busting up off Batemans Bay and Ulladulla earlier this week.
With any luck, favourable currents will soon bring these fantastic game fish into range of fishers out of other ports including, Jervis Bay, Wollongong and Sydney but remember the above limitations as DPI/Fisheries enforcement offices will be diligent in their efforts and can legally board your vessel at sea or on a trailer etc.
Notwithstanding the size of these fish – plus taking into the account the need for large ice boxes and plenty of ice to keep them in tip top condition - many keen anglers have self-imposed boat limits of 1 or 2 fish and release all other southern bluefin tuna they encounter.
Research and tag data collected is all seemingly good news as studies by Australian researchers show very high survival rates for southern bluefin tuna caught and released by recreational fishers.