What is the minimum size for Atlantic bluefin tuna?

In recreational angling the minimum catch size for Atlantic bluefin tuna is 115 cm. Fish below that length have to be returned to the water. Legal basis: 2024/21 Çizelge 7.

When is Atlantic bluefin tuna closed to fishing?

The closed season for Atlantic bluefin tuna is 15 October–15 June. Fishing for it is banned within those dates. Legal basis: 2024/21 Çizelge 7.

In which months is Atlantic bluefin tuna at its peak?

Peak periods by sea: Sea of Marmara April–October; Aegean Sea April–October; Mediterranean March–September.

Which bait is Atlantic bluefin tuna caught with?

Baits and lures on record: European sardine, Atlantic mackerel, European squid, European anchovy, Atlantic horse mackerel, shrimp, popper, stickbait, jig, mamun, sülünez.

Atlantic bluefin tuna

Thunnus thynnus

Mavi yüzgeçli orkinos
Orkinos

Peak this month Minimum size 115 cm

Family: Scombridae
Order: Scombriformes
Habitat: open sea
Seas: Sea of Marmara, Aegean Sea, Mediterranean
Bait: sardine, mackerel, squid · popper, stickbait, jig
Technique: trolling, popping, jigging

Atlantic bluefin tuna — Unknown authorUnknown author (Wikimedia Commons) · source

Legal status

Türkiye

Minimum size: 115 cm
Maximum quantity: 1 fish
Closed season: 15 October–15 June

Legal basis: 2024/21 Çizelge 7 communiqué text

Where is Atlantic bluefin tuna caught?

Peak months by sea.

Sea of Marmara

peak this month

Natural bait: European sardine, Atlantic mackerel, European squid; regional support: European anchovy / Atlantic horse mackerel / shrimp
Lure: popper, stickbait, jig
Technique: trolling, popping, jig

Aegean Sea

peak this month

Natural bait: European sardine, Atlantic mackerel, European squid; regional support: European sardine / mamun / sülünez
Lure: popper, stickbait, jig
Technique: trolling, popping, jig

Mediterranean

peak this month

Natural bait: European sardine, Atlantic mackerel, European squid; regional support: European sardine / European squid / shrimp
Lure: popper, stickbait, jig
Technique: trolling, popping, jig

Bait and technique

Habitat: open sea
Fishing technique: trolling, popping, jigging
Natural baits: sardine, mackerel, squid
Lures: popper, stickbait, jig

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum size for Atlantic bluefin tuna?: In recreational angling the minimum catch size for Atlantic bluefin tuna is 115 cm. Fish below that length have to be returned to the water. Legal basis: 2024/21 Çizelge 7.
When is Atlantic bluefin tuna closed to fishing?: The closed season for Atlantic bluefin tuna is 15 October–15 June. Fishing for it is banned within those dates. Legal basis: 2024/21 Çizelge 7.
Which seas is Atlantic bluefin tuna found in?: In our records Atlantic bluefin tuna appears in these seas: Sea of Marmara, Aegean Sea, Mediterranean.
In which months is Atlantic bluefin tuna at its peak?: Peak periods by sea: Sea of Marmara April–October; Aegean Sea April–October; Mediterranean March–September.
Which bait is Atlantic bluefin tuna caught with?: Baits and lures on record: European sardine, Atlantic mackerel, European squid, European anchovy, Atlantic horse mackerel, shrimp, popper, stickbait, jig, mamun, sülünez.

Which seas is Atlantic bluefin tuna found in?

We have no ground-level record for Atlantic bluefin tuna; what we hold is at sea level. The links below go to the page of the sea in question, and the number beside each one is the total fishing grounds recorded in that sea — it is not a list of grounds for this species.