A new Mackerel and Tuna Identification Guide is available from NOAA Fisheries. The guide includes key characteristics that will help captains and anglers distinguish between these species when filling out vessel trip reports (logbooks) or completing recreational angler surveys.
NOAA Fisheries’ Greater Atlantic Region (GARFO) developed the guide with help from the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC),
The guide provides identification information for 7 small pelagic species: Atlantic mackerel, chub mackerel, frigate mackerel/tuna, bullet mackerel/tuna, Atlantic bonito, false albacore, and skipjack tuna.
The guide may be of interest to offshore anglers, as identification of catches can be confusing, especially Atlantic bonito, false albacore, and skipjack tuna. These three species often encountered while tuna fishing off the Virginia Coast.
The NOAA Mackerel and Tuna Identification Guide is available online:
and on the NOAA FishRules app.
source: NOAA Fisheries