NOAA Fisheries has determined that the total adjusted Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) General category quota of 534.4 metric tons (mt) will be attained by December 10, 2003. Therefore, the General category fishery for BFT will close at 11:30 p.m. on December 10, 2003. Fishing for, retaining, possessing, or landing large medium or giant BFT by persons aboard vessels in the General or Charter/Headboat categories must cease at 11:30 p.m. local time December 10, 2003. General and HMS Charter/Headboat permit holders may tag and release BFT while the General category is closed, subject to the requirements of the tag-and-release program at 50 CFR 635.26. This action is being taken to prevent overharvest of the General category quota. If it is determined that quota remains uncaught in the General category, or if additional quota can be made available to the General category through an inseason transfer, NOAA Fisheries will announce the re-opening and/or transfer action in a separate Federal Register notice. General category and HMS Charter/Headboat permit holders may tag and release BFT while the General category is closed, subject to the requirements of the tag-and-release program at § 635.26. This notice is a courtesy to BFT fishery permit holders to help keep you informed about your fishery. Official notice of Federal fishery actions is made through filing such notice with the Office of the Federal Register. For further information contact Brad McHale or Dianne Stephan, 978-281-9260.