FISHING REGULATION

Country: JP
Jurisdiction: 日本 (Japan)
Authority: Fisheries Agency of Japan (水産庁, Suisan-chō)

Species: pacific-bluefin-tuna
Common Names: 本マグロ
クロマグロ
Hon-maguro
Kuro-maguro
Pacific Bluefin

Size Limits:
  Minimum: 80.0 cm (31.5 inches)
  Maximum:  cm ( inches)
  Slot Limit: False

Bag Limits:
  Daily: 0 fish
  Possession:  fish
  Annual:  fish

Season:
  Open Dates: 
  Close Dates: 
  Closed All Year: False

Notes: BINDING RULE: Pacific bluefin tuna ≥30 kg must be released by recreational anglers (Japan Fisheries Agency 2024 update). Penalties for over-quota retention: ¥500,000 fine + up to 1 year imprisonment. WCPFC framework governs commercial; recreational retention of large bluefin (>30 kg) is BANNED. Some prefectural carve-outs exist for tournament-permitted fish; verify quota status with JFA before targeting.

Source: https://www.jfa.maff.go.jp/j/saibai/maguro/index.html
Last Verified: 2026-04-29