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In a boost for charter skippers and the industry, recreational anglers have been given the go-ahead to fish for Atlantic bluefin tuna in English waters.
Responding to ‘overwhelming’ support for the move, the UK government’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) confirmed it will introduce legislation in the Spring to establish permits for anglers to fish for the species on a catch and release basis.
The opening of the fishery has been made possible following the UK’s exit from the European Union. Data from the fishery will be used to improve monitoring of the fishery and follows overwhelming support from the fishing industry and environmental groups.
UK Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer said: “This announcement will bring social and economic benefits for the fishing industry and coastal communities while ensuring the ongoing sustainable management of Atlantic bluefin tuna.”
The move follows the success of catch and release tagging programmes which have allowed recreational anglers to target bluefin tuna over the last three years.
Each UK fisheries administration will determine if and when to introduce a bluefin tuna catch and release recreational fishery in its waters. DEFRA intends to open a catch and release fishery in English waters in 2024.
