Atlantic Bluefin Tuna regulations in Delaware

Tunas · Saltwater · 2026 season

Is it a keeper? A atlantic bluefin tuna is a keeper today if it measures at least 27 inches, with Retention limits change during the season. Check hmspermits.noaa.gov or (888) 872-8862 before departure..

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna size limit, season and daily limit

Where	Season	Size limit	Daily limit
State waters	Open year-round	27 inch minimum	Retention limits change during the season. Check hmspermits.noaa.gov or (888) 872-8862 before departure.

Notes

Federally regulated; limits change frequently.
Atlantic HMS Angling Permit required for private vessels in federal waters; non-retained HMS must be released without removing from the water. hmspermits.noaa.gov / (888) 872-8862.

Exact DNREC wording

Season: Open Year-Round until season is shut down. (Regulated Federally, subject to frequent changes). Prior to departure, check https://hmspermits.noaa.gov or (888) 872-8862 for up-to-date limits.All Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (Atlantic tunas, sharks, swordfish and billfish) not retained must be immediately released to ensure the maximum probability of survival, without removing the fish from the water.*Special permit required - All private vessel owners/operators recreationally fishing for and/or retaining regulated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (Atlantic tunas, sharks, swordfish and billfish) for personal use in the Atlantic Ocean must obtain an Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling Permit. Further limits and restrictions apply. Consult https://hmspermits.noaa.gov or call toll free (888) 872-8862 for specific information and permits.
Size: 27 inches to less than 47 inches (School)47 inches to less than 73 inches (Large school orSmall medium)73 inches or greater (Large medium or Giant)
Limit: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna retention limits may change throughout the season. Call (888) 872-8862 or visit //hmspermits.noaa.gov/ for current limits.

Source: DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife, captured 2026-09-20 (2026 season).

Check your atlantic bluefin tuna in seconds

Say it, snap a photo, or type the length. SlotGauge answers KEEP or RELEASE using today's Delaware rules.

Open SlotGauge for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

More tunas

Albacore Tuna Atlantic Bonito Bigeye Tuna False Albacore Skipjack Tuna Yellowfin Tuna

About the atlantic bluefin tuna

Species of fish

The Atlantic bluefin tuna is a species of tuna in the family Scombridae. It is variously known as the northern bluefin tuna, giant bluefin tuna, and formerly as the tunny.

Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife, not Wikipedia.

All 196 Delaware species A–Z →

Frequently asked

What is the size limit for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna in Delaware?

27 inch minimum in Delaware state waters.

How many Atlantic Bluefin Tuna can you keep per day in Delaware?

Retention limits change during the season. Check hmspermits.noaa.gov or (888) 872-8862 before departure..

When is Atlantic Bluefin Tuna season in Delaware?

Open year-round.

Is my Atlantic Bluefin Tuna a keeper today?

A atlantic bluefin tuna is a keeper today if it measures at least 27 inches, with Retention limits change during the season. Check hmspermits.noaa.gov or (888) 872-8862 before departure..