Challenges in Managing Highly Migratory Species Recreational Interests from Maine to Texas

U.S. Atlantic recreational fisheries for highly migratory species (HMS) target tuna, swordfish, billfish and sharks in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico.  Management measures, including size and retention limits, landings caps, hook and bait type restrictions, and reporting requirements, are implemented in accordance with domestic laws and recommendations from the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas.  Recreational HMS fisheries management issues across such a large management area are diverse and challenging.  This presentation provides an overview and discussion of these challenges.