Temporary regulations imposing new bag limits on recreational bluefishing were announced this week.

The new rules took effect Feb. 28 in Massachusetts and other states along the Atlantic seaboard.

Recreational fishermen will be allowed to keep three bluefish per day; charter fishing clients will be allowed to keep five bluefish per day.

Previously bag limits in Massachusetts were 10 fish per person per day. There is no minimum size rule for bluefish.

Following a study, in December the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission said the species is overfished.

The new regulations are temporary, with a public comment period open until March 30.

(LINK to public comment): https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=NOAA-NMFS-2020-0011&utm_medium=emai...