Trade boosted by ‘significant’ increase in bluefish tuna angling opportunties

The opportunity for anglers to fish for bluefish tuna in English waters has increased significantly this year following successful negotiations to boosts the region’s quota for the species.

The start of the season today (Monday, July 13), is the culmination of joint work between the UK’s Marine Management Organisation (MMO), Defra, CEFAS and the Angling Trust – the representative body for fishermen in the region –  in managing what is as an emerging recreation fishing opportrunity for the industry and anglers.

As well as delivering new catch and release opportunities for the region’s anglers, authorisation has also been given to commercial vessels to target BFT in English, Welsh and Scottish waters.

Andy Wills, MMO’s interim Head of Future Fisheries, said: “The start of this year’s bluefin tuna season is an important milestone in the development of this emerging fishery as it features more quota and more permits than ever before.

“Both programmes are growing in a managed way, ensuring the UK can meet its international commitments, contribute to delivering Fisheries Act 2020 objectives and reflect stakeholder interests in both the commercial and recreational sectors.

“Collaboration between MMO, Defra and stakeholders from a range of sectors has been crucial in getting us to this point. The welfare of these fish is paramount for us, so the requirement for training for catch and release permit holders this year is a welcome extra assurance – alongside the robust reporting requirements both recreational and commercial fishers must adhere to.

“We will continue to work to support commercial and recreational angling sectors to benefit economically from the fishery – while assuring compliance with the safeguards we have put in place on quota limits and legal fishing practices.”

Under the UK application process run by MMO on behalf of Defra, 30 commercial vessels have been awarded permits to fish for BFT using rod and line this season. This is twice as many as last year and the quota per vessel has increased from three to four tonnes.

Recreational permits were awarded to all 89 charter vessels that applied and the remaining permit offers were awarded by ballot to 56 private vessels.

All charter and private vessels must have a person on board who has passed the BFT catch and release mandatory training run by the Angling Trust for each trip they make, to ensure compliance with the fishery’s code of conduct.

Hannah Rudd, Head of Marine at the Angling Trust said “The Angling Trust is delighted to see the bluefin tuna recreational catch and release fishery continue to grow, with more permits and participation than ever before.

“Partnership working and the new mandatory training remain central to that expansion, giving participants the skills to handle these incredible fish safely and release them in the best condition.

“We would urge everyone taking part this season to follow the code of conduct closely, report catches promptly and keep fish welfare front of mind – proving that recreational angling and sustainable fisheries management can go hand in hand whilst delivering social and economic benefits to coastal communities across the country.”