§ 285.52 - Size limits.

(a) Fishing for, catching, retaining, or possessing of Atlantic yellowfin and bigeye tunas in the regulatory area by persons aboard fishing vessels subject to the jurisdiction of the United States is authorized only for yellowfin or bigeye tuna measuring 27 inches (69 cm) or more in total curved fork length.

(b) Total curved fork length is the sole criterion for determining the size class of whole (head on) Atlantic yellowfin and bigeye tuna. For this purpose, all measurements must be taken in a line tracing the contour of the body from the tip of the upper jaw to the fork of the tail, which abuts the ventral side of the pectoral fin and the ventral side of the caudal keel.