NAGS HEAD, N.C. — For fishermen at the Outer Banks, the thrill of landing a bluefin tuna from a pier or shore has suddenly shifted from a dream to a complex reality fraught with legal challenges and conservation concerns. This shift came into sharp focus earlier this month near Jennette’s Pier, where the rare proximity of bluefin tuna to the shoreline spurred unexpected catches and subsequent regulation enforcement.
Local fisherman Fin Brophy expressed his astonishment at the occurrence, commenting that never in his wildest dreams did he envision hooking a bluefin tuna from a pier. His sentiment echoed amidst the fishing community as David Harding, founder of FishingPiers.Info, reported that for the first time in documented history, bluefin tuna ventured close enough to be within casting range. According to Harding, several fishermen engaged with tuna weighing between 150 and 300 pounds during this period.
While a few anglers successfully captured bluefin tuna from kayaks just off the pier, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) enforced regulations that prohibit targeting these fish from the pier itself. Early in April, a NOAA law enforcement officer was dispatched to the site, underscoring the illegality of such actions and the potential fines, which could reach up to $2,000, for non-compliance.
NOAA officials clarified the existing rules, noting the necessity of vessel-associated permits due to the tuna’s typical offshore presence and the need to manage fishing efforts to adhere to international quotas. Over 30,000 vessels are currently permitted for fishing highly migratory species like the bluefin tuna. The permit system not only aids in regulating the participant count in these fisheries but also ensures compliance with both international and domestic fishing obligations.
Given the rarity of bluefin tuna in nearshore waters, there exists no federal permit allowing shore-based fishing for them. Incidental catches from the shore must be immediately released in a manner ensuring the fish’s survival, without removing them from the water.
The enforcement action at Jennette’s Pier sparked a unique form of protest dubbed “Operation Inflate: The Bluefin Uprising.” This initiative sees anglers registering inflatable boats as vessels theoretically eligible for permits, highlighting perceived access inequities and pushing the boundaries of the current regulatory framework.
Harding pointed out the absurdity of the protest’s premise, acknowledging that the true aim isn’t to venture offshore in flimsy inflatables but to spotlight and challenge the exclusion of shore anglers from the bluefin tuna fishery. He expressed hope that this demonstration would foster legal adaptations or expansions to include shore-based fishers, especially given the increasing sightings of bluefin tuna near the coast.
The planned protest, initially set beside Jennette’s Pier on April 19, was rescheduled due to adverse weather, with a new date pending. Meanwhile, Harding is rallying the fishing community to participate in the upcoming virtual NOAA HMS Advisory Panel meeting, slated for May 6-8. There, they intend to voice their concerns and seek reevaluation of the laws governing shore-based bluefin tuna fishing.
As the debate continues, the fishing community remains caught between their passion for a once-in-a-lifetime catch and the stringent regulations designed to safeguard these majestic marine giants.
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