Better Science Means Better Access – But We Can’t Do It Without You

(New Gretna, N.J. – July 11, 2025) – You’ve seen it firsthand – the U.S. bluefin population, which stretches from Maine to Texas, continues to build. But instead of expanded access, anglers are facing tighter restrictions in 2025. The problem? The U.S. quota hasn’t kept pace with the growing stock, triggering overages and forcing NOAA to impose new limits and the risk of an early season closure. That’s why action is needed – and fast.

Viking is stepping up to help address the problem – and we’re asking the sportfishing community to do the same. In partnership with the Pelagic Fisheries Lab at the University of Maine, we’re backing a scientific initiative that uses Close-Kin Mark Recapture (CKMR), a modern genetic technique that produces faster, more accurate stock estimates. It’s a major advancement that removes many of the limitations from survey methods – and the data will provide more accurate stock estimates to support quotas aligned with today’s bluefin population.

Here’s How You Can Help:

1. Collect Samples

REQUEST SAMPLE KIT and take a small, non-lethal fin clip (to obtain a tissue sample) from any kept or discarded bluefin. Each kit includes instructions and 15 sample vials. Our goal: 2,000 samples in 2025. If you request a kit, please follow through and return your samples.

2. Donate

With federal funding paused (maybe indefinitely), industry support is essential. Donations go directly to the University of Maine Foundation to cover the cost of kits, lab analysis and fieldwork (no overhead/indirect charges). Click DONATE and insert your donation amount to the High Migratory Species Conservation Fund.

Current Regulations

Under current federal law, from July 1 to December 31, private vessels with an HMS (Highly Migratory Species) angling permit are allowed one bluefin tuna per vessel per day/trip, measuring 27 to less than 73 inches. Charter/headboat vessels with HMS permits may keep two per day in that size range – but only one can be 47 inches or longer. The other must be 27 to less than 47 inches. Fines are substantial.

Breaking the Regulatory Cycle

Bluefin tuna helped grow our sport and our industry – but we’re in danger of getting locked into a regulatory spiral where more fish leads to more catch, more overages and more restrictions.

“This is how we break the cycle,” said John DePersenaire, Viking Director of Government Affairs and Sustainability. “Help us spread the word – share this effort with fellow anglers, captains and industry partners.”

Take Action Today

Clip. Donate. Share.

Join Viking to support this critical work and drive improvements to this important fishery.

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How to Get Involved:

• Request Sample Kit
• Make a Donation
• Share with Fellow Anglers

Related Conservation Content:

• Bluefin Tuna Fishing Regulations
• HMS Permit Information
• Viking Yachts Website

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