Brad Chase

This investigation provides MarineFisheries with baseline data on fishery characteristics, interacts with fishery constituents and participate in the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) management processes for bluefin tuna. Efforts are made to interact with recreational and commercial components of the fishery during the fishing season. During the off-season, slide presentations on bluefin tuna biology and the fishery are made to constituent groups upon request. Written and verbal comments by MarineFisheries on the federal management of bluefin tuna are typically made through this investigation. The project leader serves on the Advisory Committee to the U.S. Delegates of ICCAT as an appointed Committee member. Interactions with the Committee provide MarineFisheries with information and input on international issues with large pelagics and participation in this forum also assists our policy efforts in domestic fisheries.

A Cape Cod Bay bluefin tuna being processed for the market

Collecting bluefin tuna stomach samples