In an attempt to "extend the fishing period for this species" the Azorean government has limited the amount of bigeye tuna that may be caught by a single vessel, as stated by Jornal Oficial. According to the Azorean executive, for vessels 25 metres or longer in length, the maximum amount of catch that can be made in a period of 48 hours is 18 tonnes.

The Regional Government has argued that “Considering the history of landings over the last five years and taking into account that the aim is to increase the fishing period for this species, ensuring a better quality of fish at first sale and a greater appreciation of the product, it appears necessary to adjust these catch limits”.

The maximum amount for vessels 20 metres or longer but less than 25 metres is 13 tonnes; for vessels 14 to 20 metres in length, the maximum amount is 10 tonnes. Open-mouth boats are allowed to catch up to one tonne of fish, whereas vessels shorter than ten metres are allowed to fish up to two tonnes.

Under the direction of Mário Rui Pinho, the Secretariat of Sea and Fisheries emphasised that "the associations representing the sector were heard" regarding the changes, with the Azorean Fishing Cooperative and the Association of Tuna and Similar Producers of the Azores "expressing interest in changing the maximum daily catch limits". Nonetheless, the PS/Açores said it was “concerned about the Regional Government's lack of control in managing the bigeye tuna quota and the drop in fishermen's income”.