False Albacore (Little Tunny)

False Albacore Annual Update

False Albacore Species Profile

False Albacore, also known as “Little Tunny”, have no stock assessment to inform stock status. False Albacore is currently managed through Marine Fisheries Commission Rule 15A NCAC 03M .0523, which came into effect on June 1, 2026. The rule requires DMF to formally monitor False Albacore landings and provide a landings summary to the NCMFC at its annual August business meeting to determine if False Albacore landings exceed a threshold of 200% of the average landings from both sectors combined from 2018–2022. In 2025, combined recreational and commercial landings did not exceed the threshold. By rule, no management changes are authorized.